Australia Daylight Saving will recommence across parts of the country this Sunday, October 4, 2026. Clocks in participating south-eastern states will advance by one hour. This annual adjustment brings an extra hour of afternoon daylight.
Specifically, at 2am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on Sunday morning, clocks will jump forward to 3am. Smart devices typically adjust automatically; however, manual timepieces and some kitchen appliances will require a physical change. Therefore, remember to set these forward yourself.
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory all observe this shift. By contrast, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory maintain standard time year-round. They will not adjust their clocks.
The time change can impact daily routines, especially sleep. Experts recommend gradually shifting your bedtime by 15 minutes each night before Sunday. Moreover, exposing yourself to morning light can help reset your body clock.
Regarding employment, payment for daylight saving work usually follows a ‘by the clock’ system. When daylight saving begins, employees might work one hour less but still receive pay for their full shift. Conversely, at the end of daylight saving, they may work an extra hour for the same pay.
While the start of daylight saving means waking up an hour earlier, an international study found no link to significant declines in mental health. Some individuals might experience minor jet lag-like effects or mood changes. However, these are generally not severe.
Australia Daylight Saving will conclude six months later, on Sunday, April 4, 2027. At 3am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), clocks will turn back one hour to 2am. This reversion will usher in more morning daylight as eastern standard time resumes.
