It’s been a summer of incredible hikes, coastal towns, open-air cinemas and long evenings spent outdoors across Sydney. But that stretch of extended daylight is beginning to wind down as the seasons change. Each autumn, New South Wales switches back to standard time, marking the point when evening daylight starts to shorten and the clocks move back by one hour. Daylight saving is now entering its final weeks for the year, signalling the return of the annual clock change across the state. If you’re wondering when the switch happens and what to expect when it does, here’s what to know about the end of daylight saving in NSW.
When does daylight saving end in NSW?
Daylight saving in New South Wales will come to an end on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The change takes place early in the morning, when clocks move back one hour at 3am, returning the state to standard time. This means the hour between 2am and 3am occurs twice, effectively adding an extra hour to the night. Other states that observe daylight saving include Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. Once the change takes place, evenings will gradually get darker earlier in the day, while sunrise arrives earlier in the morning.
Why does Daylight saving exist?
Daylight saving was first introduced in Australia during the First World War as a way to make better use of daylight hours. The system shifts clocks forward in spring and back again in autumn, extending evening daylight during the warmer months. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory do not take part. By moving the clocks back in April, residents avoid starting work or school in total darkness during the cooler months.
Do you need to change your clocks?
Most modern devices will update automatically when daylight saving ends. Smartphones, computers, smart TVs and many newer cars adjust the time on their own once the clock change takes place. However, some devices still need to be updated manually. Analog wall clocks, kitchen appliances, older car dashboards and certain household electronics may not change automatically, so it’s worth checking them the morning after the switch.
Impact on sleep and daily routine
Good news is, the transition back to standard time effectively adds an extra hour to the night. When the clocks move back from 3am to 2am on Sunday, April 5, residents will gain an additional hour of sleep. But it also means that the long, sun-drenched evenings of the Sydney summer are officially coming to an end.
