Clocks will move forward one hour this Sunday in many parts of Australia as the weather warms up.
Here’s what you need to know about the start of daylight saving time – and how it will affect you.
When does daylight saving start?
Daylight saving time for 2025 will start again on Sunday 5 October at 2am Australian eastern standard time (AEST).
Clocks will move forward one hour to 3am, giving an extra hour of afternoon daylight.
Daylight saving returns on the first Sunday of October every year and ends on the first Sunday of April.
Do clocks go back or forward in October?
Clocks move forward.
Smart devices usually adjust automatically for daylight saving, moving forward early on Sunday morning.
You will need to manually adjust the time on your kitchen appliances, analogue clocks and watches by setting it to an hour later.
Which states have daylight saving time?
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory all observe daylight saving.
Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving.
Do you get paid for working daylight saving time?
The Fair Work Ombudsman recommends employees and employers should check their award or registered agreement for terms on daylight saving time.
If there is no mention of daylight savings in the terms, payment is usually made “by the clock” – meaning payment depends on whether daylight saving time starts or ends.
How to adjust your body clock?
While granting an extra hour of afternoon light in the warmer months, the start of daylight saving time requires waking up an hour earlier.
The NSW government website acknowledges the time change “can affect your sleep and daily routine”.
It recommends gradually adjusting your bedtime by 15 minutes each night for a smooth transition, maximising morning light to reset your body clock and staying consistent with your sleep schedule to avoid disruption.
When will daylight saving time finish?
Daylight saving will finish in six months on Sunday 5 April at 3am eastern daylight time (AEDT). Clocks will turn back one hour to 2am, giving more daylight in the morning.
