Millions of Australians will lose an hour of sleep this weekend as the country prepares to spring forward for the start of daylight saving time.
At 2:00 am on Sunday, 4 October 2026, clocks in participating states and territories will tick forward to 3:00 am, officially signaling the transition into warmer, longer evenings. The shift will remain in effect for the next six months, concluding on Sunday, 4 April 2027.
The change affects New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. Residents in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory will remain unaffected, as these regions do not observe daylight saving.
While the “spring forward” adjustment is automated for most modern smartphones, tablets, and computers, officials are reminding households to manually adjust analogue clocks, wristwatches, and non-smart kitchen appliances to ensure schedules remain accurate throughout Sunday.
For those concerned about the potential for “minor jet lag” or disruption to their sleep patterns, experts suggest a gradual approach. The NSW government recommends shifting bedtimes by 15 minutes each night leading up to the change to help the body clock adjust to the early sunrise. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and embracing morning light are also highlighted as effective ways to mitigate the transition. Recent international research has largely assuaged concerns regarding the practice, finding no evidence of a significant link between the start of daylight saving and long-term declines in mental health.
The transition also impacts the workplace, particularly for those on night shifts. The Fair Work Ombudsman advises both employees and employers to review their specific awards or registered agreements regarding the shift. Generally, if an agreement does not specify a protocol for daylight saving, payment is made “by the clock.” This means an employee working an eight-hour shift during the transition would technically work seven hours of actual time but receive pay for the full eight. Conversely, when clocks turn back in April, employees working a nine-hour shift will generally be paid for only eight.
The return of daylight saving is a welcome sign of the changing seasons for many, offering an extra hour of afternoon sunlight that is expected to encourage outdoor activity and evening leisure. However, residents are encouraged to be mindful of the lost hour of sleep on Sunday morning as they adjust to the new time zone.
Daylight saving will officially end on 4 April 2027, when clocks will move back one hour to 2:00 am, returning the nation to Australian Eastern Standard Time.
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