As warmer days arrive parts of Australia prepare for the seasonal time change. While it occurs twice yearly, it excludes the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia – and often causes confusion. Here is everything you need to know according to abc.net.au
When do the clocks change?
Daylight saving begins at 2am on Sunday, October 5. At that moment, clocks will jump forward to 3am AEDT. In NSW, the ACT and SA, this coincides with the October long weekend.
Do the clocks go forward or backwards?
Clocks move forward by one hour. Most devices adjust automatically, but microwaves, ovens, and analogue clocks will need manual resetting.
Do you gain or lose an hour of sleep?
Australians in participating states will lose an hour of sleep on October 5.
Which states and territories observe daylight saving?
The change applies in the ACT, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. It does not apply in the Northern Territory, Queensland, or Western Australia. Norfolk Island observes daylight saving, while Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands do not.
What time zones will each state follow?
From October 5, Australia will have five time zones:
- ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC → AEDT
- QLD → AEST (one hour behind AEDT)
- SA → ACDT (30 minutes behind AEDT)
- NT → ACST (90 minutes behind AEDT)
- WA → AWST (three hours behind AEDT)
For example, when it’s 3pm in NSW, it will be 2pm in QLD, 2.30pm in SA, 1.30pm in NT, and 12pm in WA.
When does daylight saving end?
It ends at 2am on Sunday, April 5, when clocks wind back one hour, giving an extra hour of sleep.
Source: abc.net.au