All About Daylight Saving In Australia

As kids, didn’t we all want to stay out on the streets every summer evening and wish that the day was a little bit longer to have an extra hour to keep playing to our heart's content? Well, some people’s wishes do come true. Australia is gifted an extra hour each day for six months every year! Now, you may call it a wish come true or, in simpler terms, Daylight Saving Time in Australia.

What is Daylight Saving Time?

The practice of advancing clocks during the warmer months (usually by one hour) to have darkness fall later on the clock is known as Daylight Saving Time (DST). A renowned entomologist and astronomer named George Hudson initially suggested the concept of Daylight Saving Time in the year 1895. However, nations didn't start utilising it until 1916. DST is typically not practised in areas close to the equator since there aren't enough differences in dawn and sunset times to necessitate it. As sunrise and sunset times observe great variations and a one-hour change would comparatively not make much of a difference, it is not seen in some locations at high latitudes, either. Some nations only observe it in specific places; for instance, only some nations observe Daylight Saving Time, while others choose not to. 

Daylight Saving Time in Australia: Origin & History

Daylight Saving in Australia was first implemented during World War I in 1916 to save energy. It was reinstated during WWII for the same reason and has hence continued for 61 years, from 1916 to 2022. (DST in a particular location). However, the regular practice of Daylight Saving Time in Australia picked up in 1967 after the drought that happened in Tasmania.

All about Daylight Saving in Australia 2024

Let's take a moment to answer some common questions you might have about Daylight Saving in Australia. We'll explore why it's done, how it affects daily life, and the ways it can benefit society. By looking into these aspects, we can get a good grasp of how Daylight Saving in Australia works and why it's important for Australians. So, let's dive in and find out more!

When Does Daylight Saving Time in Australia Start and End?

In order to observe Australian time zone change, clocks are often moved forward by an hour in the spring season ("spring forward") and backwards by an hour in the fall season ("fall back"). The first Sunday in October marks the start of Daylight Saving in Australia, when the clocks are advanced by one hour, thus extending the allure of an Australian Summer. It ends on the first Sunday in April, when the clocks are set one hour earlier, at 2 am (which is 3 am Daylight Saving Time in Australia). 

What are Clocks Forward and Clocks Back?

‘Clocks Forward’ and ‘Clocks Back’ are the adjustments that we make to the time displayed on clocks during transitions between Standard Time and Daylight Saving Time. Clocks Forward Australia moves the clocks ahead by an hour while transitioning from Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time. The adjustments made provide longer evening daylight and increased daylight hours during warmer months, but you end up losing an hour of sleep! Clocks Back Australia moves the clocks by an hour while transitioning back to Standard Time. It is usually done when daylight hours become shorter during the colder months.

Benefits and Drawbacks of DST in Australia

One of the biggest benefits of DST in Australia is that it helps save energy as people comparatively use less electricity because of longer day hours. Due to this, the evenings are also longer, which results in people spending more time indulging in outdoor activities. Spending more time outdoors also results in people spending more money, which boosts the local economy. 

However, there are a few drawbacks, as the change in schedule disturbs the sleep cycle because of waking up early and sleeping a little late. Similarly, some international businesses are crucially time-zone dependent, and the day light saving in Australia impacts the operations. 

Which States Observe Daylight Saving Time in Australia?

Daylight Saving Time in Australia is observed in a few states, whereas some do not follow clocks forward Australia and clocks backwards Australia. This has led to Australia having three main time zones during the winter months and five during the summer. Take a look at the regions that observe and regions that do not observe Daylight Saving in Australia.

How Does DST in Australia Affect Your Daily Life?

We are mindful that "springing forward" every year isn't quite exactly fun. In spite of the fact that it only lasts one day, it disrupts your entire schedule, and the effects on your sleep usually last for a few days, right? Well then, what’s there to like about the Australian clocks changing? Quite a few things, to our surprise.

1. There is More Light to Enjoy!

Sunlight increases serotonin levels, which enhances mood. So what could be better than just soaking in the daylight far into the late hours? That's what we thought! More light gives you the time to do what you want to do, which is equal to a happier you.

2. Minimises the Energy Consumption Level 

When there is more natural light, you use less artificial light, which would make a huge difference in the overall cost of energy use. This saves your money creating a win-win for you! You can keep a track of your money through these money-saving apps for students!

3. Less Crime Rate during Daylight Saving Time

According to research, robbery rates decrease by an average of 7% after the time change, falling by a much higher 27% during the newly created, light-filled nighttime hours. 

4. Increase in Tourism

More daytime means more time to sit and chill at the beaches or spend an extra hour at the zoo! Who would want to miss that? People are just happy to be out and about in the city during the day. Wish to know where you can spend your one extra hour? Have a look at the 30 best tourist attractions in Sydney.

How does Daylight Saving in Australia Impact Student Health

We all know that not getting enough sleep is detrimental to your physical and mental health. Because your circadian rhythm is determined by the timing and amount of strong light exposure you receive during the day. Daylight Saving between October and April exposes your body to less morning and evening light, which might disrupt your circadian cycle. By altering your circadian rhythm, you jeopardise your sleep health as well as a variety of bodily functions.

Australian time zone changes have a few short-term health consequences, such as sleep problems, exhaustion, blood pressure abnormalities, and the feeling of prolonged jet lag.

Teenagers, who tend to be night owls and "late starts," or people who wake up later in the morning, are especially susceptible to these impacts because they already miss out on more hours of natural morning light. Studies also show that Daylight Saving has also been associated with a higher chance of acquiring various medical conditions, ranging from cardiac and digestive diseases, such as slowed metabolism, to problems with cognition and mental health, such as depression. Additionally, Daylight Saving can worsen these symptoms if you already have them. To further help tackle these problems, you can check out the 10 best stress management activities for students and implement them in your day-to-day routine.

‍How to Prepare for Daylight Saving in Australia?

No matter the advantages, we can't lie; it will still blow your daily routine. But before the big day, keep to these strategies to make the time change easier for Daylight saving time in Australia.

1. Reset Clocks

Your phone, computer, and cable box will update automatically, but what about the microwave clock? Your table clock? Or perhaps the cuckoo clock hanging in your living room? By moving the clocks forward one hour in advance, you can prevent confusion (and, for that matter, annoyance).

2. Get Extra Hours of Sleep

The greatest way to get ready for the hour of lost sleep due to DST in Australia is to approach it gradually. Start several days before the time changes, for example, by ensuring that you are in bed 15-30 minutes before your typical bedtime. It also helps to ensure that you are well-rested the week prior.

3. Prep Yourself and Your Home

Summer is almost around the corner, and so is Daylight Saving in Australia. Unfortunately, that also means that you'll be turning on your air conditioner soon (assuming you haven't already). Consider following some energy-saving tips and tricks for your home, considering the true spirit of Daylight Saving Time in Australia. Similarly, plan and practice your meal schedules and exercise times well beforehand.

4. Be Positive

People who were "surprised" by the time shift will inevitably exist, and they won't be pleased about it. Just remember the advantages of DST described above and resist their gloomy tendencies. Additionally, if you use the prior advice, you are well-prepared. Who knows? You might even realise that "springing forward" isn't something you dread after all.

5. Check the Public Transport Schedule

Implementing the Daylight in Australia might impact the timings of the public transport in Australia. To ensure you’re on time and prevent any work delays, practice keeping a check on the public transport schedule. 

This system of “Springing Forward”, the hands of the clock, has been practised in many parts of the world for almost a century now. Just like in Australia, there still seems to be a debate on whether Daylight Saving Time in Australia should be followed or not. Whatever the final call is, let’s enjoy that one extra hour of sunlight and make the most out of it! Like Australia, you can read more about Daylight Saving in the USA and Daylight Saving in the UK to understand how similar yet different it can be globally. Get ready to reset your clocks!