When Does Daylight Saving End in Australia? 2026 Guide to Clock Changes
Australia is preparing to shift its clocks as daylight saving time (DST) comes to an end for several states, and territories. For millions of residents, this means an extra hour of sleep is on the horizon, though it also signals the arrival of shorter afternoons and cooler winter mornings.
When Do the Clocks Change in 2026?
Daylight saving will officially end on Sunday, April 5, 2026. At 3:00 am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), clocks will move back one hour to 2:00 am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
This annual shift occurs on the first Sunday of April every year to prepare the country for the winter season. Whereas the change provides more daylight during the early morning hours, it results in earlier sunsets during the evening.
Which States and Territories are Affected?
Not all parts of Australia observe daylight saving. The time change only applies to the following states and territories:
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- New South Wales (NSW)
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
Conversely, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia do not observe daylight saving time and will not be changing their clocks.
How to Adjust Your Clocks
For most people, the transition is seamless. Most modern devices linked to the internet—including smartphones, computers, and smart TVs—will automatically adjust to the correct time zone.
However, manual clocks still require human intervention. You’ll need to remember to wind back the following devices:
- Oven clocks
- Microwaves
- Analog wall clocks
- Car dashboards (in older models)
Key Takeaways: DST 2026
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| End Date | Sunday, April 5, 2026 |
| Time of Change | 3:00 am AEDT |
| Action | Move clocks back 1 hour to 2:00 am |
| Return Date | Sunday, October 4, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do clocks go forward or backward in April?
Clocks move backward by one hour in April. This transition marks the end of daylight saving and the return to standard time.
Why does Australia use daylight saving?
The practice is designed to make better use of natural daylight during the summer months. Tasmania was the first Australian state to introduce daylight saving time permanently in 1967.
When will daylight saving return?
Daylight saving typically returns on the first Sunday of October. In 2026, the clocks will move forward again on Sunday, October 4.
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