Australia ends daylight saving time: what you need to know

This weekend, Australia will bid farewell to daylight saving time (DST) for the year, moving clocks back by one hour in many states and territories. The end of DST marks the return to standard time, bringing an earlier sunset and darker mornings.

When does daylight saving end in australia?

Daylight saving time officially ends on the first Sunday in April every year. In 2026, clocks will spring forward an hour at 2am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) on Sunday, October 3, and then fall back at 3am AEDT on Sunday, April 4.

Not all of Australia observes DST. Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Christmas Island do not use DST, sticking to their standard time zones year-round.

What time changes do i need to make?

Make sure to set your clocks back by one hour on Sunday, April 4. Most smart devices will automatically adjust, but you'll need to manually adjust analog and digital timepieces, including those on your kitchen appliances and wearables.

If you're working a shift on the Sunday during the time change, you could end up working an extra hour, so check your employment agreement for terms on DST.

How does daylight saving affect my body clock?

The end of DST means we lose that extra hour of afternoon sunlight, but it also means effectively waking up an hour later in the mornings. To adjust your body clock, the NSW government recommends gradually shifting your bedtime by 15 minutes each night in the lead-up to the time change, maximizing morning light exposure to help reset your internal rhythm.

Consistency is key, so try to stick to your new sleep schedule to minimize disruption.