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

William Christensen