It feels like just a little while ago we were changing the clocks for the end of daylight savings, marking the start of the cooler seasons. But, believe it or not, we’re now in October and almost back in daylight savings season. Here’s everything you need to know about daylight savings in NSW, including when to turn your clocks forward, and what it will mean for your sleep pattern.
When does daylight savings start in NSW?
Daylight savings kicks off on the first Sunday of October at 2am local time. In 2024, this falls on Sunday, October 6. So you'll get an extra hour of daylight on the evening of Sunday, October 6 (which is also NRL Grand Final night).
Do we lose or gain an hour when daylight savings starts in NSW
You’ll lose one hour of sleep when our clocks wind forward on October 6, with 2am turning into 3am daylight savings time. However, we’d trade losing an hour of sleep for an extra hour of evening sunlight any day of the week. Bring on the sunset picnics!
Do I turn the clock back or forward for daylight savings in NSW?
Your smartphone will surely do the job for you, but if you still use an old-school alarm or need to reset your grandfather clock, remember to move your analogue clocks and watches forward by one hour when you wake up on Sunday, October 6. Or: do it the night before so you’re not late for your Sunday morning coffee date.
Which Australian states observe daylight savings?
Daylight savings is observed here in New South Wales, as well as in Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Norfolk Island. However, Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands don’t change their clocks for daylight savings. Keep this in mind if you’re hopping between states or planning a Facetime with an interstate mate.
Why do we have daylight savings in NSW?
Daylight savings was first introduced in 1916 to save energy during World War I and II. By shifting the clock forward an hour, soldiers could take advantage of longer sunlight hours and increase productivity. While all Australian states and territories observed daylight savings during the wars, Tasmania made it a permanent fixture in 1968. New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and the ACT followed suit in 1971.
When does daylight savings end in NSW?
Daylight savings ends on Sunday, April 6, 2025, gifting you an extra hour of sleep as our clocks wind back one hour.
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