As winter approaches, Australia prepares for the end of daylight saving time, a seasonal adjustment that shifts clocks to maximise daylight hours. On Sunday 5 April 2025, at 3am Australian eastern standard daylight time (AEDT), clocks will move back by one hour to 2am. This change marks the conclusion of daylight saving for the year, bringing earlier sunsets and cooler evenings across participating regions.
Which Australian States Observe Daylight Saving?
Daylight saving is observed in several Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. In these areas, residents will experience the clock change on 5 April. However, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory do not participate in daylight saving, maintaining standard time throughout the year.
Do Clocks Go Back or Forward in April?
In April, clocks move backwards by one hour. While smart devices such as smartphones and computers typically adjust automatically, it is essential to manually update analogue clocks, kitchen appliances, and watches to ensure accuracy. This adjustment effectively provides an extra hour of sleep but reduces evening daylight.
Impact on Workers During the Time Change
For individuals working shifts on the Sunday when clocks go back, there is a potential to work an additional hour. The Fair Work Ombudsman advises employees and employers to review their award or registered agreement for specific terms regarding daylight saving time. If no provisions exist, payment is generally based on scheduled hours rather than actual hours worked, meaning workers may be paid for eight hours even if they work nine.
How to Adjust Your Body Clock Smoothly
The transition out of daylight saving can disrupt sleep patterns and daily routines. To mitigate this, the NSW government recommends gradually shifting bedtime by 15 minutes each night in the days leading up to the change. Maximising exposure to morning light can help reset your internal clock, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for minimising disruption.
When Will Daylight Saving Time Resume?
Daylight saving will recommence in six months, on Sunday 4 October 2025. At 2am AEDT, clocks will move forward by one hour to 3am, extending evening daylight as summer approaches. This cyclical pattern aims to optimise daylight usage throughout the year, though it remains a topic of debate in some regions.
