As Australians prepare to bid farewell to daylight saving time, many will embrace an extra hour of sleep while navigating the complexities that come with this seasonal change. For baker Toby Bamford, who operates his bakery just a stone's throw from the New South Wales border, the end of daylight saving on Sunday, April 6, 2025, brings both relief and challenges.
Bamford owns Baked at Ancora in Tweed Heads, a cafe connected to a wedding venue located about 900 meters from the NSW border. He notes that the time difference between states has become second nature to him, but it still presents unique hurdles. "It is really challenging at the moment," Bamford remarked. "Whilst NSW customers are up and about, the Queenslanders are just waking up." This discrepancy complicates his operations, especially regarding opening hours and reservation times.
For almost 20 million Australians, the end of daylight saving means an extra hour's sleep, a welcome change as the days begin to cool. Daylight saving will officially conclude at 3 a.m. AEDT on April 6, when clocks will move back one hour to 2 a.m. This annual transition, which occurs on the first Sunday of April, is a routine that many have grown accustomed to.
However, not all states participate in this practice. Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving, leaving residents and businesses in those areas to adapt to the time changes of their neighbors. This can create confusion and challenges, especially for businesses like Bamford's, which service customers from both sides of the border.
During summer, bakers in Queensland start their shifts as early as 3:45 a.m. due to the one-hour difference. Bamford mentioned that the time disparity can be a double-edged sword. "You're never quite sure whether or not they're just using it as an excuse," he joked, referring to staff who may arrive late. Despite the challenges, he appreciates the benefits that daylight saving brings, particularly the longer evenings. "I look forward to daylight saving for the long days and the long evenings," he said. "That's a really exciting time."
As the end of daylight saving approaches, many Australians are reminded of the reasons behind this time shift. According to Professor Tim Bedding, an astrophysics researcher at the University of Sydney, the change allows people to enjoy more daylight in the evenings during the summer months. "If you live a fair way away from the equator, in summer the days are a lot longer than the nights," he explained. This adjustment helps maximize the use of natural light, benefiting various activities and businesses.
Yet, as the clocks revert, it can impact sleep patterns and health. Reece Kemp, a research assistant and sleep expert at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, noted that adapting to a slightly different sleep schedule can be tricky. "Our research shows that sleep naturally adapts over time; however, if you personally struggle with DST transitions, preparation can help," Kemp advised. He suggests making small adjustments in the days leading up to the transition rather than drastic changes.
Interestingly, the end of daylight saving can also facilitate an easier shift to an earlier sleep schedule for those who wish to adjust their bedtime. For instance, if someone typically sleeps from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., after the change, their body’s natural sleep pattern would adjust to 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. This can be advantageous for individuals looking to establish a healthier routine.
For businesses in Western Australia, the end of daylight saving poses its own set of challenges. Chrissie Maus, chief of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the difficulties faced by businesses dealing with eastern states. "It forces teams to adapt—starting earlier, shifting schedules, and adjusting operations just to stay in sync," Maus explained. She emphasized the need for solutions that empower WA businesses rather than hinder their operations in a globally connected economy.
As Australians prepare for this seasonal shift, it's essential to remember the nuances of daylight saving. While some states embrace the change, others do not, creating a patchwork of timekeeping that can complicate everyday life. The upcoming transition is a reminder of how interconnected yet diverse Australia is, with each state navigating its own unique relationship with time.
Looking ahead, daylight saving will return on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 2 a.m. AEDT. Until then, Australians will adjust to the shorter days and cooler temperatures, marking the end of a season that many have come to enjoy. For Bamford and others in similar positions, the change brings both challenges and opportunities, as they adapt to the rhythm of life across state lines.
