The days are getting warmer and, for certain parts of Australia, that means a time shift is near.

Even though it happens twice a year, changing the clocks can be confusing.

And although we’re two weeks away, here’s everything you need to know about daylight saving time.

When does daylight saving time start in Australia?

Daylight saving will start at 2am on October 6.

Each year, daylight saving time kicks in at 2am on the first Sunday of October.

Do the clocks move forward or backwards?

Clocks will move forward by one hour.

The time on smart devices usually automatically adjusts to the relevant time zone, so you probably won’t have to change any time settings on your phone.

But remember that a lot of digital clocks — think microwaves and ovens — will need to be manually adjusted.

You’ll also need to wind the hands on your analogue clocks forward.

Which states and territories observe daylight saving?

On October 6, the clocks will move forward in:

  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria

But the clocks stay the same in the following jurisdictions, which do not observe daylight saving time:

  • Northern Territory
  • Queensland
  • Western Australia 

Norfolk Island does switch over to daylight saving time, but Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands do not.

What time zones will each state follow?

From October 6, the Australian mainland will simultaneously experience five different time zones.

  • ACT, New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria will all be in the same Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) zone.
  • Queensland will remain on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and will be one hour behind Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
  • South Australia will follow Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT) and will be half an hour behind the Eastern Daylight Saving Time.
  • The Northern Territory will be an hour and a half behind Eastern Daylight Saving Time on Australian Central Standard Time (ACST).
  • Western Australia will be three hours behind Eastern Daylight Saving Time on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST).

For example, if it was 4pm in the ACT, NSW, TAS, and VIC during daylight saving, it would be:

  • 3pm in QLD
  • 3.30pm in SA
  • 2.30pm in the NT
  • 1pm in WA

When does daylight saving end?

Each year, daylight saving time ends at 2am on the first Sunday of April.

Next year, that falls on April 6.

Is Australia the only country that has daylight saving?

No.

Approximately 70 countries around the world use daylight saving time, including New Zealand, the UK, Brazil and Switzerland.