When does Daylight savings start and end? Your Qld questions answered

Daylight saving has snuck up again, and with it the annual Queensland debate about whether we should have it. Here’s everything you need to know.

It’s been a long time since Queensland last had daylight savings.

October is just around the corner and with it, the start of daylight saving time (DST).

For many Australians, daylight saving time is simply the norm as they enter peak springtime, but for Queenslanders, DST is a hotly-contested topic.

What will the time be when I cross over the border into New South Wales? Why on earth does it look like it could be lunchtime when it is 7pm in Adelaide?

The time change is beyond confusing for Queenslanders, but we’ve got you covered.

Here is everything you need to know before daylight saving kicks in.

What is the history behind daylight saving?

The origins of daylight saving date all the way back to World War One, as a means of conserving energy in the form of fuel and light.

Following the likes of the United States, Germany, Great Britain and other neighbouring countries, Australia decided to implement DST on January 1, 1917.

When does it begin and end?

Every year the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria all change their clocks over – and this year, that starts on Sunday, October 6.

Meanwhile, Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory will not be affected.

On Sunday, April 6 2025, daylight saving will draw to a close.

Do the clocks go back or forward?

At 2am, clocks will be pushed forward one hour to 3am local time which means both sunrise and sunset will be one hour later on October 6 than the day before.

Those observing DST will gain extra sunlight for longer during the day but will lose an hour on October 6.

When did Queensland get rid of it?

It is an argument as old as time (pun intended) – should Queensland have daylight saving?

There are numerous reasons behind the decision for the Sunshine State to not observe daylight saving, and plenty of arguments, for and against, by locals.

In 1992, Queenslanders voted against permanently introducing daylight saving time after a three-year trial.

Tasmania adopted it regularly in 1968, with Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT all leaping forward in 1971. Queensland quickly ditched the system a year later.

While the original reason for DST has since been debunked, most Australian states and territories have kept the system going.

What are Queenslanders’ reasons for and against daylight saving?

There are plenty of arguments surrounding daylight saving, some more legitimate than others.

Former Queensland premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen argued daylight saving faded curtains and confused milking cows.

Many scientists have even argued the observation of daylight saving could pose health risks including inadequate sleep, decreased attention, increased metabolic and cardiovascular issues, mood disorders, and even a shortened lifespan.

Queenslanders don’t need to change their clocks.

Over recent years, Queensland has been divided on bringing DST back to the Sunshine State.

Locals living in the northern and tropical parts of Australia preferred sunset to occur earlier in the day and have repeatedly shown they were against it in polling.

However, research from the University of Queensland in 2021 found 60 per cent of Queenslanders wanted the time measure to be brought back.

Originally published as When does Daylight savings start and end? Your Qld questions answered