Daylight Savings 2026: When to Change Your Clocks in Australia
Daylight saving time begins this Sunday, October 4, 2026. Here is what you need to know about the clock change in Australia.
Quick facts
- Clocks move forward one hour at 2:00am on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- Daylight saving applies to NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and the ACT.
- Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving.
Why it matters
The annual transition to daylight saving time effectively splits Australia into five distinct time zones, up from the usual three. This regional disparity often leads to confusion for interstate travel and communication. The decision to observe or opt out remains a state and territory legislative matter.
When does daylight saving time start?
Daylight saving time officially begins in several Australian jurisdictions on Sunday, October 4, 2026. At 2:00am, clocks will move forward one hour to 3:00am. This change marks the shift to longer evenings across the affected regions.
Which parts of Australia are affected?
Not all of Australia follows daylight saving time. The change applies only to the following states and territories:
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- South Australia
- Australian Capital Territory
The Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia do not observe daylight saving time, meaning clocks in these regions will remain on their current standard time.
Do I need to update my devices?
Most modern smart devices, including mobile phones and computers, will automatically update to the new time zone. However, you should manually adjust analogue clocks and time displays on household appliances such as microwaves and ovens. It is recommended to make these manual adjustments before heading to bed on Saturday night.
How long does it last?
The period of daylight saving will continue until Sunday, April 4, 2027. On that date, clocks will move back by one hour, returning to standard time.
Frequently asked questions
When do clocks change for daylight saving in 2026?
Clocks move forward one hour at 2:00am on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in participating states and territories. They will remain in this configuration until April 4, 2027.
Which Australian states observe daylight saving?
Daylight saving is observed in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory. Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory do not participate in daylight saving time.
Do I move my clock forward or backward?
For the start of daylight saving on October 4, 2026, you move your clocks forward by one hour. You will move them back by one hour when the period ends on April 4, 2027.
Will my phone update automatically?
Yes, most smart devices, including smartphones and computers, are designed to update their internal clocks automatically to reflect the start of daylight saving time.
Why don't all states observe daylight saving?
The observation of daylight saving time is determined by individual state and territory governments. Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory have opted not to implement these changes.
What happens if I forget to change my clock?
If you fail to adjust manual clocks or appliances, you will be one hour behind the local time in your jurisdiction. This may cause confusion for appointments or travel schedules.
In this story
Sources
Last checked Oct 2, 2026 at 4:15 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
Comments