Daylight savings 2026: when does daylight saving start in Australia and do clocks go forward or back? Here’s when the time will change

When does daylight saving start in Australia in 2026?

Daylight saving returns on the first Sunday of October every year and ends on the first Sunday of April.

In 2026, daylight saving time will recommence on Sunday 4 October at 2am Australian eastern standard time (AEST).

Clocks will move forward one hour to 3am, giving an extra hour of afternoon daylight.

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 and territories have daylight savings time?

New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory will put their clocks forward at 2am on Sunday.

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 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”.

This means if you’re working an eight-hour shift when daylight saving starts and the clock goes forward, you would work an hour less (seven hours) but still be paid for eight.

If you’re working “by the clock” when daylight saving ends in April you would be working for nine hours but only get paid for eight.

How do you adjust your body clock?

While granting an extra hour of afternoon light, the start of daylight saving time means 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.

A major international study found while some people experienced effects similar to minor jet lag, and that some mood effects were possible, there was no association with significant declines in mental health.

When will daylight saving time finish?

Daylight saving time will finish in six months’ time on Sunday 4 April 2027 at 3am Australian eastern daylight time (AEDT). Clocks will turn back by one hour to 2am as eastern standard time resumes, giving more daylight in the morning.