The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and everyone is suddenly sneezing – that means spring has officially sprung in Melbourne! And with the change in season comes everyone's favourite annual event: daylights savings. Funnily enough, even though it comes around every year, we're always wondering when it starts and just how exactly it all works.
So if you're a teeny bit confused about whether we're about to gain or lose an hour of sleep (spoiler alert for sleepyheads: it's the latter), here's a guide that answers all your 2025 daylight savings questions.
When does daylight savings start in Victoria for 2025?
Daylight savings starts on the first Sunday in October. So this year, on Sunday, October 5, clocks will jump forward an hour – that means we skip an hour at 2am and go straight to 3am.
Do we gain an hour or lose an hour when daylight savings starts in Victoria?
When daylight savings kicks in, our clocks will jump forward, meaning we will lose an hour. However, what we lose in time we will make up for in light at the end of the day – more hours to go out for a twilight walk, get a drink with friends or try that new restaurant.
Do I turn the clock back or forward for daylight savings in Victoria?
Look, if you have a smartphone or laptop connected to the internet, the time change happens automatically. But to help you get your head around it, you have to move your analogue clocks and watches forward by one hour when you wake up on Sunday, October 5.
What date do I change my clock on for daylight savings Victoria?
When you wake up on the morning of Sunday, October 5, it'll be an hour later than usual. You'll have lost an hour during the night, and clocks need to be moved forward by one hour.
Which states have daylight savings?
Along with Victoria, the other states and territories that observe daylight savings include New South Wales, the ACT, Tasmania, South Australia and Norfolk Island. Think of it this way: it's the majority of the south that observe the changes. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not change their clocks throughout the year so be sure to check timings if you’re travelling interstate over the next few months.
Why do we have daylight savings in Victoria?
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 Victoria?
Come April 5, 2026, clocks will shift back an hour and you’ll gain back that hour you lost. With winter nipping at your heels you’ll need to dust off your jumpers and bring out the electric heater. But let's not think of that right now, and instead savour the sunshine until then.
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