[Verse 1] The grease and the coal dust are faded and gone, Past old Cockle Creek we go driving along. The great Christmas shutdown of old fifty-four, Has opened the gateway to Macquarie’s shore. [Verse 2] The Bedford is humming down Main Road today, The Shell pumps at Speers Point are waving the way. The iron beds and icebox are packed in the back, With three screaming kids on the holiday track. [Verse 3] Just look at the water, it’s blinding and bright! The blue of the lake is a beautiful sight. We’re leaving the dark of the underground pits, For saltwater spray where the silver gull sits. [Verse 4] A canvas town rises beneath paperbarks, With thousands of tents stretching out in the parks. The Newcastle miners have taken the beach, With paradise right in a working man’s reach. [Verse 5] “Look, Dad!” shouted Bobby, “The swans are in flight!” The lagoon is a picture of black and of white. While up in the harbor the steam engines roar, We’re splashing and diving on Sunshine’s clear shore. [Verse 6] The heavy canvas tent is pitched up on the grass, With hands from the Wallsend crew helping us fast. And Martha is fixing the extension lead line, To iron the clothes while the summer sun shines. [Chorus] Grab up the prawn bucket and head for the bridge, Where Swansea’s blue waters rush under the ridge. We’re casting our lines in the clear, rolling tide, With surf-riding dreams on the holiday side! [Verse 8] Tomorrow we’ll travel to Carey Bay Zoo, Where monkeys and parrots are calling to you. Bimbimbie is waiting, the place of the birds, With magical memories better than words. [Instrumental Break] [Outro] The sun’s sinking low o’er the Watagan range, The soot and the smoke have been completely changed. With cold beer and woodsmoke, we dance on the sand, Macquarie’s sweet summer, the best in the land!
