It’s that time again—time to adjust your clocks as daylight saving ends. This year, millions of Aussies are about to get an extra hour of sleep, but when exactly does it happen, and what should you do to prepare? Don’t worry, we’ve got the full lowdown on what’s coming up this April!
When Does Daylight Saving End?
Daylight saving time in Australia officially ends on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 3:00 AM AEDT. At this point, the clocks will be turned back by one hour, meaning it will go from 3:00 AM to 2:00 AM. So, get ready to enjoy that extra hour of rest! The cool months are approaching, and for many, this shift marks the transition to shorter days.
Do I Need to Change My Clocks?
If you have a smartphone or modern device, it’s likely that it will automatically adjust to the new time. But not everyone is using the latest tech. Some older phones (or “dumb” phones) might need a manual update. So, before you head to bed on the night of April 4th, make sure to check your clocks and watches—especially if they’re not automatically updated, reminds 9News.
Which States and Territories Are Affected?
Here’s where it gets interesting: not all of Australia observes daylight saving. It’s only in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory that clocks will need to be adjusted. Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory have opted out of the practice, mainly due to the minimal difference in daylight hours across the seasons in these regions. So, if you’re in one of those areas, no clock-changing for you!
Why Do We Have Daylight Saving?
Daylight saving exists to make the most of the longer daylight hours during the warmer months. The idea is simple: by shifting the clock forward, people can enjoy more daylight in the evenings, when it’s warmer and more pleasant. But as the weather cools, the clocks are moved back to give a bit more light in the mornings, which can help make early starts a little easier.
Why Doesn’t Every State Do It?
Good question! Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory don’t observe daylight saving because the difference in daylight hours isn’t as noticeable in the north. For these areas, the benefits of an extra hour of evening daylight aren’t as significant. In fact, it’s often argued that daylight saving just doesn’t provide the same value up there, where the daylight hours remain relatively consistent throughout the year.
