Don’t Get Caught Out: Your State By State Guide To Daylight Savings

Daylight savings. The twice-yearly moment that divides the nation. Some of us cheer for those extra golden hours at the pub, others mourn the sleep-in they just lost (or gained). And some of us don’t bother with it all (looking at you, Queensland). Either way, it’s coming, and if you’ve ever been the friend who turns up an hour early to lunch because you forgot to change the clock, this one’s for you.

Let’s break down when daylight savings starts and ends in Australia, which states actually do it, and why we go through this annual ritual of clock-tinkering in the first place.

What Is Daylight Savings?

Daylight savings time (DST) is basically a way to hack time so we get more sunlight after work. We wind our clocks forward an hour in spring so that sunsets are later—meaning you can squeeze in an after-work swim, pub session, or picnic without fumbling in the dark. In autumn, we wind them back again to normal time and collectively complain about how dark it suddenly is at 5pm.

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When Does Daylight Savings Start and End in 2025 and 2026?

NSW: Sunday 5 October 2025, 2am → clocks forward to 3am
VIC: Sunday 5 October 2025, 2am → clocks forward to 3am
SA: Sunday 5 October 2025, 2am → clocks forward to 3am
TAS: Sunday 5 October 2025, 2am → clocks forward to 3am
ACT: Sunday 5 October 2025, 2am → clocks forward to 3am

WA, QLD, and NT are rogue lands where time stands still (well, it stays the same), so no need to adjust your clocks unless you’re travelling. 

Image Credit: Supplied

Why Do We Even Have Daylight Savings?

The idea is simple; to make better use of natural daylight hours, reduce energy consumption, and get us outside a bit more. Whether it actually saves energy is up for debate, but what it does do is give us extra time to hit rooftop bars, evening markets, or go for a cheeky post-work dip without feeling like a ghoul.

Daylight savings might mess with your body clock for a few days, but it also means making the most of summer nights, later beach trips, and way more time for beer gardens, night markets, and sunset hangs. Mark your calendars: Sunday 5 October 2025 is the day to leap into longer days.

Main Image Credit: Victoria Park