TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Longer evenings, outdoor dinners and post-work beach walks are just around the corner in New South Wales (NSW) as daylight saving returns in October. While most smartphones and computers will adjust automatically, the clock change means losing an hour of sleep and a few things to remember if you are traveling interstate.
Daylight saving in NSW begins on the first Sunday of October each year. In 2026, clocks will move forward on Sunday, October 4, marking the start of months with longer daylight hours in the evening, as reported by Time Out.
When Does Daylight Saving Start in NSW?
Daylight saving begins at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
At 2 a.m., clocks will move forward one hour to 3 a.m. This means residents lose an hour overnight but gain more daylight in the evening.
The change will bring longer afternoons and evenings, allowing more time for outdoor activities after work or school, including walks, dinners and other activities that are easier to enjoy while it is still light.
Do We Lose or Gain an Hour When Daylight Saving Starts?
When daylight saving begins, NSW residents lose one hour of sleep.
The clock skips from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m., meaning the night is effectively one hour shorter. The lost hour will be returned when daylight saving ends in April 2027.
Do I Turn the Clock Forward or Back?
When daylight saving begins, clocks need to be moved forward by one hour.
Most smartphones, computers and other connected devices should adjust automatically. However, analogue clocks, watches and other manually operated devices will need to be changed.
A simple way to remember the direction of the change is the familiar phrase: “Spring forward, fall back.”
Residents can also adjust manual clocks before going to bed on Saturday night so they wake up on Sunday with the correct time.
Which Australian States Observe Daylight Saving?
Daylight saving is observed in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Norfolk Island.
Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands do not observe daylight saving and therefore do not change their clocks.
This means travelers and people arranging interstate calls need to account for different time zones during the daylight saving period. For example, Sydney will be one hour ahead of Brisbane during summer.
Why Does NSW Have Daylight Saving?
Australia first introduced daylight saving nationwide during World War I, from January 1 to March 25, 1917, as a way to conserve fuel and make better use of available daylight.
The system was brought back during World War II before NSW reintroduced daylight saving in 1971. The state has observed it every year since then.
In 1976, NSW held a referendum on whether daylight saving should continue, with more than 68 percent of voters supporting its continuation.
Today, daylight saving in NSW begins on the first Sunday in October and ends on the first Sunday in April.
When Does Daylight Saving End in NSW?
Daylight saving will end on Sunday, April 4, 2027.
At 3 a.m. daylight saving time, clocks will move back one hour to 2 a.m. Residents will gain an hour of sleep as the state returns to standard time.
Until then, NSW residents can look forward to longer evenings and more daylight for outdoor activities throughout the warmer months.
What Are the Benefits of Daylight Saving?
Daylight saving provides more daylight during the evening, giving people additional time for outdoor activities after work or school.
The NSW government says the system helps make better use of natural daylight during the warmer months and provides more opportunities for outdoor activities.
For many residents, the practical benefit is simple: there is still daylight after the working day ends, making it easier to exercise, meet friends, walk, visit the beach or enjoy dinner outdoors.
Read: US House Passes Bill for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
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