- The clocks go forward an hour in Sydney this weekend.
- We lose an hour in bed, but the evenings get brighter and longer.
- Here’s what Daylight Saving means for you.
Spring is officially here, and Daylight Saving is about to begin across Australia. Since April, we’ve been making do with earlier sunsets here in New South Wales, but now we’re getting that extra hour of evening sunlight back. Starting on Sunday, October 4, here’s all you need to know before the switch in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Do I need to turn the clocks forward or backwards?
As we head into the warmer months, the clocks turn forward, meaning sunrise and sunset will both happen an hour later. So while we’ll lose an hour of sleep, we’re rewarded with an extra hour of evening light, perfect for making the most of Sydney’s longer, warmer days.
Nowadays, most clocks will automatically update, so you don’t need to worry, but wind those analogue clocks or watches forward on Sunday. Or before you go to bed on Saturday, to be ready to seize the day on Sunday.
Which Australian states observe daylight savings?
Testament to the size of Australia, there are multiple time zones across the country. They look like this:
- Perth: Australian Western Time (AWST) – UTC +8
- Adelaide & Darwin: Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) – UTC +9.30
- Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney: Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) – UTC +10
As if that wasn’t confusing enough, not all states observe daylight saving either. Here in New South Wales, as well as Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Norfolk Island, we will be turning our clocks forward, but Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands won’t.
What to do before the clocks go forward
Before we spring forward an hour, make the most of the final few darker evenings this week with an early dinner or a cosy night out. Once daylight saving kicks in, Sydney’s evenings will stretch later, giving you plenty more time to get outside and explore.
Eke out the evenings with an alfresco dinner at one of the city’s many outdoor dining spots. Ānnámēse is a Vietnamese spot in Barangaroo that offers elegant fine dining with a view of the water, even from its slightly set back position — the menu is seemingly endless but the set tasting menu offers a great selection for the indecisive among us ($85pp).
Tucked away on the east-side of Kensington St in Chippendale, Spice Alley is a paved haven filled with hawker-style Asian street food eateries including Alex Lee Kitchen, Hong Kong Diner, Ginger & Spice and Sedap Malaysian. Finger Wharf in Potts Point is another great hotspot, teeming with restaurants that offer outdoor seating that’s still sheltered — perfect for making the most of the longer evenings.
Finally, find a viewpoint to watch the sunset while you’re still able to catch it before dinner. Some of the best sunset spots in Sydney include Observatory Hill Park, Mrs Macquaries Chair, Bradleys Head and Dudley Page Reserve in North Bondi.
What to do after the clocks go forward
Once the clocks have changed, the sun will rise later, but evenings will stay lighter for longer. That means more time to make the most of Sydney after work, whether you’re heading to the beach, meeting friends for dinner or squeezing in an evening walk.
Embrace Sydney’s longer evenings and head out for a coastal walk after work. The eastern suburbs are particularly beautiful in the late afternoon, with Bondi to Bronte (or the longer Bondi to Coogee), the Georges Head to Middle Head–Gubbuh Gubbuh route or the Curl Curl to Freshwater boardwalk all great options.
Or make the most of the extra light with an evening swim. Head to one of Sydney’s many ocean pools for a dip as the sun starts to set, or join the crowds at Bondi Beach for a post-work splash.
