Daylight savings occur twice a year. Clocks go forward. Then they go back. And every time, people ask the same thing when does daylight savings start, when does daylight savings end, and why do we even do this?
Here’s what to know about daylight savings in Australia, how it works, which states follow it, and when the clocks change next.
When Is Daylight Savings?
In most of Australia, daylight saving time starts on the first Sunday in October. That’s when clocks go forward one hour. It ends on the first Sunday in April. That’s when they go back.
When does daylight savings start next? Sunday, October 5.
When does daylight savings end Australia? Sunday, April 6.
If you’re wondering when do the clocks change again that’s it.
What Is Daylight Saving?
The idea is simple. You shift the clocks forward in summer to get more daylight in the evening. This way, people have more light after work or school not just in the morning.
You lose an hour of sleep in October when the clocks go forward. Then you get that hour back in April when they go back.
It used to be about saving power. The idea was more daylight in the evening means less time using lights at night. But these days, it’s more about keeping things in sync with daylight hours and making the most of summer evenings.
That’s all it is. Just matching the clock to the sun.
Where It Happens (And Where It Doesn’t)
Daylight saving time is only used in some parts of the country. Here’s who’s in:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Australian Capital Territory
These states change their clocks every October and April.
And here’s who doesn’t change:
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- Northern Territory
They keep the same time all year. No daylight saving time there.
This means if you call someone in Queensland from Sydney during summer, you’ll be an hour ahead.
What Happens When Daylight Saving Ends?
When does Australian daylight savings end? April 6, 2025.
At 3:00 AM, the clocks go back to 2:00 AM. That means one extra hour of sleep. It also means the sun comes up earlier and sets earlier too.
This is when routines shift. Mornings feel brighter. Nights get darker faster. You’ll probably start turning lights on earlier in the evening.
If you’re planning anything across state lines, check the time. It’s easy to forget your meeting is now an hour off if you’re calling across a border.
Do I Need to Change My Clocks?
Most phones and laptops update on their own. But not everything does.
Check:
- Oven clocks
- Car clocks
- Alarm clocks
- Anything old-school or manual
Change them back one hour when daylight saving ends. It’s simple, but easy to forget.
Daylight Saving by State and Territory
Here’s how daylight savings works across Australia. Not all states and territories follow it, hence the time difference shifts depending on where you are.
New South Wales
NSW observes daylight saving time. Clocks go forward by one hour on the first Sunday in October and back by one hour on the first Sunday in April. NSW follows Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and switches to AEDT during daylight saving. On April 6, 2025, clocks go back from 3:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Victoria
Victoria follows the same rules as NSW. Daylight savings starts in October, ends in April, and clocks go forward one hour during that time. VIC also moves from AEST to AEDT. On April 6, 2025, clocks roll back an hour at 3:00 AM.
Queensland
Queensland doesn’t follow daylight saving. The state stays on AEST all year. That means during daylight saving, QLD is one hour behind NSW and VIC.
South Australia
South Australia observes daylight saving and switches from Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) to ACDT. That’s half an hour behind AEDT. On April 6, 2025, SA clocks go back one hour at 3:00 AM.
Western Australia
WA does not use daylight savings. The state stays on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) year-round. It’s two or three hours behind the eastern states during daylight saving, depending on where you are.
Tasmania
Tasmania observes daylight saving and follows the same schedule as NSW and VIC. It moves from AEST to AEDT and back again. On April 6, 2025, clocks go back at 3:00 AM.
Northern Territory
The NT does not follow daylight saving time. It stays on ACST all year. During DST, it’s one and a half hours behind AEDT.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT observes daylight savings, following the same timing as NSW. It shifts from AEST to AEDT. On April 6, 2025, clocks go back one hour at 3:00 AM.
How It Affects You
The end of daylight savings changes your day. You might get up when it’s already light outside. You’ll probably eat dinner in the dark.
Shops may change their hours. Transport timetables might adjust. If you live near a state border, like NSW and QLD, this is when things get tricky. Some towns run on one time zone while others don’t.
It also changes how businesses run especially ones that deal across time zones. If you’re booking meetings, check which state your client’s in. Time matters.
A Few Quick Reminders
- When does daylight savings end in Australia? April 6
- When do the clocks change? At 3:00 AM, they go back to 2:00 AM
- You’ll get one more hour that day
- Change your manual clocks
- Check your calendar if you’ve got something planned early in the morning
What’s the Point of Daylight Savings?
It can be said daylight savings saves energy while it may be argued that it doesn’t matter anymore. But what it does is give us longer evenings in summer. More light when people are out and about. That’s why we still do it.
When day light savings end, we go back to the regular rhythm. Shorter days, longer nights. That’s just how the year moves.
Ready for the Time Change?
Daylight savings in Australia doesn’t apply to everyone. But if you live in one of the states that uses it, knowing when is daylight savings and adjusting your clocks on time keeps your day in order.
There is no need to overthink it. Just remember: clocks forward in October, back in April.
If you’re still not sure check your phone. It probably already knows.
If you’re moving between states or just trying to keep your routine in check after the clock change, now’s also a good time to look at your energy plan. CheapBills helps you compare and connect electricity and gas providers, so you’re not stuck paying more than you should no matter what time zone you’re in.
