In just two weeks, Australians will say goodbye to the long evenings as daylight saving time (DST) comes to an end on Sunday, April 6, 2025. While this means winding our clocks back an hour and bidding farewell to summer, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, the end of DST marks a special time when the skies are painted with beautiful hues of pink, gold, and purple, offering some of the most breathtaking sunrises of the year.
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If you’ve been waking up early this week and noticing the skies are looking particularly stunning, it’s not your imagination—autumn in Australia brings some of the most vibrant and colorful sunrises, thanks to the perfect combination of later sunrise times, cooler air, and just the right amount of cloud cover.
When Does Daylight Savings End in Australia?
Daylight saving officially ends at 3 AM on Sunday, April 6, 2025, for residents in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and the ACT. At this time, clocks will be set back one hour to 2 AM. For those who enjoy early mornings, this could feel like a small victory, but for those who revel in long, sunlit evenings, it may feel like a loss.
It’s important to note that Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving time, so there will be no time change in these regions.
Do We Lose or Gain an Hour When Daylight Saving Ends?
While we’ll officially lose an hour of daylight in the evening, the end of daylight savings brings a silver lining—an extra hour of sleep! On the morning of April 6, when the clocks fall back from 3 AM to 2 AM, we’ll get to enjoy a much-needed hour of rest. This time shift also signals a change in our daily rhythm: mornings will feel brighter, making it easier to wake up, while evenings will draw in sooner, nudging us into cozy, winter routines. It may take a few days for our bodies to adjust to the time change, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself waking up too early or feeling a bit sluggish in the evenings.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a practice used to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. The clocks are set forward by one hour from standard time (ST), which shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening. In Australia, DST begins on the first Sunday of October and ends on the first Sunday in April.
Most states and territories observe DST, except for Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia, which do not participate. The clock change helps ensure we get the most out of our waking hours during the longer days of summer.
How Does Daylight Saving Affect Sunrise?
With the time change comes a shift in sunrise and sunset times. After daylight saving ends, sunrise and sunset will happen an hour earlier, resulting in brighter mornings and darker evenings. This shift gives us the perfect opportunity to catch a beautiful sunrise before starting our day. Additionally, as the weather cools and the atmosphere becomes clearer, our mornings will be filled with even more spectacular colors in the sky, offering a feast for the eyes.
Why Are Sunrises More Stunning in Autumn?
Autumn in Australia creates the ideal conditions for jaw-dropping sunrises. Here’s why:
- Timing: As daylight saving ends, sunrises become easier to catch for even the most reluctant early risers. Rather than waking up at 6 AM as you did during the summer months, the sun now rises closer to 7 AM, making those beautiful sky colors more accessible.
- Atmospheric Conditions: The air cools down, becoming less humid and clearer than during the summer. This reduction in haze and pollution allows more light to scatter, creating vibrant and lasting colors in the sky—fiery reds, soft pinks, deep purples, and golden hues.
- Clouds: Autumn mornings are often graced with mid-to-high altitude clouds that reflect the sun’s rays long before it peaks over the horizon. These clouds act as a canvas, painting the sky with vivid colors and creating a moment of natural beauty that is fleeting, making every sunrise special.
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How to Experience the Best Sunrises Before Daylight Saving Ends
To make the most of this stunning season before daylight saving ends, finding the perfect location to watch the sunrise is key. You’ll want to be somewhere with a clear eastern view and good elevation. Whether you’re on a beach, a hilltop, or anywhere with unobstructed views, the best vantage points will reward you with breathtaking sights.
In Sydney, consider visiting Bondi’s Ben Buckler or Barrenjoey Lighthouse for amazing sunrise views. If you’re in Melbourne, spots along The Mornington Peninsula or even atop Quarries Park should offer great visibility. These locations will give you the best chances to witness the sky’s transformation from dark to light, with hues of gold, pink, and purple painting the horizon.
As daylight saving time wraps up in just two weeks, make the most of these early mornings and set your alarm to catch nature’s most beautiful and fleeting light show before the time change. You won’t want to miss it!
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