Online alarm clock for 12:29 am
Hand over the Sydney-to-Canberra drive with a clear departure time: set the alarm for 12:29 am so the next driver knows exactly when the changeover happens. That leaves enough time to collect the keys, check the route and be moving before 1:00 am, while the motorway is likely to be quieter than it will be later.
Keep the alarm page visible while you finish the handover, or leave it running in a background tab if you need the screen for maps or messages. A background tab may be given fewer resources by the browser, so avoid loading heavy pages or relying on several last-minute alerts at once. Check that the alarm remains armed and that the volume is audible. If the browser is closed or the computer goes to sleep, the Sydney departure alarm will not sound, which could leave the replacement driver waiting past the planned start.
Before passing over the keys at this hour, reduce the chance of waking everyone else in the house. Set a moderate alarm volume, keep the phone or laptop close to the person taking over, and use vibration as an extra cue if available. Pack bags and shoes away from bedrooms beforehand, then make the 12:29 am changeover near the door rather than calling through the house.
Common questions
Can I use this on my phone instead of a laptop?
Yes, it works in a mobile browser the same way, but phones are more likely to lock the screen or sleep, which can stop the alarm from ringing. A laptop or desktop tends to be more reliable for this.
Can I set more than one alarm at a time?
This page is built around a single alarm at a time. For multiple alarms, open a separate tab for each one and set a different time in each, keeping every tab open until it's rung.
Why use a browser alarm instead of my phone's built-in one?
Mainly for reliability against silent mode, do-not-disturb, or a phone left charging out of earshot. It's a useful backup or a desk-based alternative, though it depends on this tab staying open rather than running in the background of your phone.
Is there a cost to use this?
No, it's free, with no sign-up and no limit on how many times you set it. It just needs the tab left open until the time you've chosen arrives.