As the days grow longer and warmer, Australians are gearing up for the yearly ritual that some love and others dread—daylight saving time (DST).

Come the first Sunday of October (October 6, 2024), sleepyheads in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory will find themselves springing forward, setting their clocks an hour ahead. This annual time hop means more daylight in the evening, perfect for BBQs and evening beach strolls.

But not everyone is thrilled. Queenslanders, remain staunchly opposed, sticking to their regular time as their southern neighbours shift forward. This divide means that while Sydney and Melbourne stay in sync, Brisbane is an hour behind.

The split doesn’t stop there. Western Australia skips the DST party entirely, keeping Perth’s time zone hours behind the east coast all year round. Meanwhile, those living near the Queensland-New South Wales border brace themselves for a biannual time tango, adjusting their schedules and shaking their heads at the hassle it brings.

Daylight Savings Time (DST) Participating States – 1 hour forward

  • New South Wales
  • Victoria
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Australian Capital Territory
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States and Territories Don’t use DST

  • Queensland
  • Northern Territory
  • Western Australia

While some cherish the extra evening light, allowing for more time outdoors, others grumble about losing an hour of sleep. Sleep scientists often weigh in, warning about the potential health impacts, while veterinarians assure us that our furry friends adapt quicker than we do, merely shrugging off the change.

Happy daylight saving

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