Across the roaring forties with seas
fierce and tall.
Come sailors to Van Diemans Land who heed
adventures call.
To travel to the end of the earth across
a raging squall.
To find a patient paradise with wondrous
breath indrawn.
The whaling ships and schooners with proud
masts across Bass Strait.
Come the roaring forties explorers to
test against their fate. Set the compass
south and seek safe shelter at Sullivans
Cove.
Shipwrecked dreams may lay beyond as against
the elements they drove.
Say farewell to Sullivans Cove and head
for a godless sea. Beyond the forties
latitudes God may not hear your windswept
plea.
So look towards the end of the earth and
seek the grail of the rare. Sail across
to Hobart town - bold explorers will only
dare.