PSA: Daylight saving starts in NSW this weekend – here's everything you need to know

We can’t believe it either, but we’re officially in October – and summer is literally seconds from bursting onto the scene. Along with the sweet sweet scent of jasmine and purple pops of jacardana flowers punctuating our suburbs, one of the best things about almost summer in Sydney is daylight saving. And good news for post-work picnic fiends: it starts this weekend. From Sunday, October 4, Sydney’s evenings are about to get a whole lot lighter. Here’s what you need to know.

When does daylight saving start in NSW?

Daylight saving begins on the first Sunday in October, which this year falls on Sunday, October 4. At 2am, clocks jump forward to 3am, meaning we lose an hour overnight but gain more glorious daylight in the evening. Think post-work beach walks, sunset drinks and dinners outside.

Do we lose or gain an hour with daylight saving?

The sad news is, we lose an hour in bed – but thankfully, we’ve got a long weekend to recover. When the clocks skip from 2am to 3am on Sunday, we’ll lose an hour of sleep, but we’ve got a whole lot of light-filled evenings to look forward to. 

Do I turn the clock back or forward in NSW this weekend?

Forward. Your phone should do it automatically, but analogue clocks will need a little manual intervention.

Best things to do once daylight saving starts in Sydney?

The list is endless. Once the evenings start drawing out, we can use our post-work time to hit the beach, go for a hike, smash out some laps in an ocean pool, or take dinner outside to one of Sydney’s gorgeous gardens. If you like to celebrate the end of the working day with a drink in hand, make the use of the lighter evenings at one of Sydney’s best beer gardens or rooftop bars.

If you need more immediate activity inspo, our guide to what’s on in Sydney this weekend should help. You’re welcome.

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