Australia Gains an Hour: More Sleep for Many

ByKate Australia

At 3 a.m. this Sunday, the clocks in NSW, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania, and South Australia will adjust from daylight saving time to Australian Eastern Standard Time, effectively bringing the time back to 2 a.m. for those living in these areas.

This adjustment aligns Australia’s eastern states with Queensland, which doesn’t participate in daylight saving, ensuring the entire east coast shares the same time zone once more.

Silhouette of wind turbines against a vibrant orange sky at dusk.

There’s no change for those living in South Australia and the Northern Territory; they continue on Central Standard Time as usual.

Queensland and Western Australia residents won’t need to change their clocks, as these states don’t follow daylight saving.

With daylight saving ending, Australia simplifies its time zones from five to three during the summer months, making timekeeping easier across the nation.

Sunset view from Semaphore Jetty in Adelaide, Australia, marking the end of daylight saving time with people walking along the pier

The Northern Territory, South Australia, and Broken Hill in NSW will now be 30 minutes behind those on Australian Central Standard Time (ACST).

Meanwhile, Western Australia remains two hours behind the states and territories adhering to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Daylight saving will return at 2 a.m. on October 6, prompting those in many Eastern Coast locations to set their clocks forward by an hour, bringing an extra hour of evening sunlight back into play.

Adjusting to Daylight Saving Time

Every year, as daylight saving time rolls around, our clocks aren’t the only things that need adjusting – our internal rhythms do, too.

Here’s how the change can affect us and some top tips to transition like a pro:

  • Understand Your Circadian Rhythm: Our bodies run on a 24-hour cycle influenced by natural light. The shift in time can disrupt this, affecting sleep, mood, and even digestion.

  • Gradual Sleep Shift: As daylight saving time approaches, begin shifting your sleep cycle by heading to bed and rising 15 minutes earlier each day. This gentle adjustment can help your body acclimate to the new schedule without a jolt.

  • Soak Up the Sun: Exposure to natural light can help reset your internal clock. Spend some time outside during daylight hours, especially in the morning.

  • Stay Active: Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Just avoid vigorous activity close to bedtime.

  • Mind Your Diet: Eating well can support your body’s adaptation. Try to eat regularly and be mindful of caffeine and alcohol intake.

These pointers will better equip you to handle the time change. And remember, while it might be a bit disorienting at first, it’s also a perfect opportunity to reassess and optimize your routines. Let’s embrace that extra hour!

Meet Kate. She is the founder of one of Australia's most popular and helpful travel planning communities, where she shares reliable information and exclusive discounts. With her passion for exploring and love for travel, Kate enjoys showcasing the best of Australian tourism. Her mission is to make Australia Travel Hub the leading resource for travelling across Australia, making your adventures more affordable and accessible.