We had the absolute pleasure of having our children cared for by Nelly's Adventure during the school holidays, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Run by Marlen, a devoted mum of three, the service is a beautiful blend of heart, expertise, and hands-on fun.

Marlen brings a wealth of knowledge in child development and education, and it truly shows. She creates an environment that’s not only safe and nurturing but also incredibly engaging. Our kids came home each day buzzing with excitement, full of stories about the activities they’d done and the new things they’d learned.

What sets Nelly’s Adventure apart is the thoughtful balance between fun and learning. From creative play to educational experiences, everything is designed with purpose. Marlen also incorporates sustainability into her approach, which we deeply appreciate—it’s wonderful to see children learning to care for the world around them.

If you're looking for childcare that feels like an extension of your own values and parenting style, Nelly’s Adventure is it. Our kids had the best time, and we felt completely at ease knowing they were in such capable and caring hands.

We first met Nelly through my older child’s preschool and were thrilled to discover her unique child care offering—Nelly’s Adventure. At the time, my younger son had been attending a traditional daycare for about 12 weeks, and drop-offs were filled with anxiety. He would ask throughout the week if it was a daycare day, clearly dreading it.

Since making the switch to Nelly’s Adventure, everything has changed. Now, he wakes up excited, asking eagerly if it’s a “Nelly day.” He genuinely looks forward to spending time with Nelly and his little group of friends.

Nelly is incredibly thoughtful, dedicated, and creative. Each day is different and thoughtfully planned. Activities include morning circle time, storytelling, singing, sand play, bush walks, museum visits, ferry rides, and more. It’s a beautiful blend of structure, learning, and adventure—something truly special.

As both a professional nanny (for 15 years before kids) and a mother of two, I wholeheartedly recommend Nelly’s Adventure to any family seeking a flexible, enriching, and joyful child care experience. We’re so grateful to have found her!

My son George loves Nelly’s adventures, being taken in “the Nelly Bus” I think is a particular highlight from how much he talks about it 😂! It’s a safe, fun outdoors focussed childcare with lots of fun interactions and activities for George