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From sweet mangoes to prawn rolls, ocean dips and backyard barbies, there’s a lot to love about summer in Sydney. And, of course, daylight saving – where, thanks to clock wizardry, we make the most of the longer hours of sunlight during the warmer months (hello, after-work swims and picnics). Alas, we’re now in autumn, and cooler days are around the corner. The end of daylight saving is near, too.
Wondering when the clocks go back? Here’s a handy explainer covering what you need to know about the end of daylight saving in NSW...
When does NSW daylight savings end?
Mark your calendar: daylight saving in NSW ends on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Clocks will move back one hour, marking the end of those long evenings and the return of cooler, bright mornings. Make the most of the extra night light while you can and squeeze in a few more swims and alfresco fun.
Do the clocks go forward or backward when daylight savings ends?
Clocks fall back at the end of daylight saving in NSW. Do you always forget which way the clock goes? A handy way to remember is with this saying: “Spring forward, fall back.” So, in spring, at the start of daylight saving, the clocks spring forward. In autumn ("fall"), they fall back.
What time do the clocks change in NSW?
In NSW, the clocks go back at 3am at the end of daylight saving. So, at 3am, the clocks will move back to 2am. Essentially, the hour from 2am to 3am happens twice.
Why do the clocks go backward?
The clocks go backward in NSW at the end of daylight saving time to return to standard time. If the clocks stayed on summer time, winter sunrises in Sydney would be very late (think after 7.30 am to 8am), meaning people would start work and school in darkness. Spring gives us longer evenings, while autumn brings brighter mornings.
Do I need to change the clocks myself?
It depends. Clocks on things like your iPhone, smart TVs, computers and modern cars change automatically. But you will need to manually change the time on things like analog clocks, some cars and kitchen appliances.
Which Australian states have daylight saving?
New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Norfolk Island all have daylight saving. The rest – Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands – skip the change altogether.
Why does NSW have daylight saving?
Australia first introduced daylight saving back in 1916, during World War I and II, as a way to conserve energy and make better use of natural light. By shifting the clock forward, soldiers and civilians could work longer in daylight hours. While all states took part during the wars, Tasmania made it permanent in 1968, and NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT followed in 1971.
Importantly, does the end of daylight saving in NSW mean I lose or gain an extra hour of sleep?
So glad you asked. Clocks fall back in autumn, from 3am to 2am, so you will gain an extra hour of sleep on Sunday, April 5. We’ll take it!
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