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.