Bishop and Clerk Maria Island: Hiking Guide

Bishop and Clerk Maria Island: Hiking Guide

Hiking Bishop and Clerk Maria Island: an epic day hike to the summit of towering dolerite columns on the north shore of Maria Island.

Maria Island is widely known as one of Tasmania's premier wildlife areas. But did you know it's also an incredible hiking and bushwalking destination?

On the north shore of Maria Island is a series of striking dolerite columns overlooking the Tasman Sea. These columns received their name because of their resemblance to a hat-wearing bishop next to a clergyman. Hikers can climb these towering pillars for incredible views over Maria Island.

In this post I document my experience hiking Bishop and Clerk on Maria Island. My goal is to provide you with timely, useful information with inspirational photography to motivate you to tackle the climb. If you're looking for more things to do on Maria Island, don't miss my comprehensive Maria Island travel guide.

• alt=“BISCHOF UND KREISE GIPFELWANDERUNG“>
• alt=“KÄNGURUS AUF MARIA-INSEL“>
• alt=“BISCHOF UND ANGESTELLTER MARIA ISLAND“>

Where is the Bishop and Clerk Track on Maria Island?

Hikers can access the Bishop and Clerk Track via Darlington on Maria Island. I'm assuming you already know how to get here, so I'll skip those details. Otherwise, you will need to book a ferry before planning your trip.

From Darlington, visitors must either walk or cycle west to Fossil Cliffs. Once you reach the fork at the towering cliff, you will no doubt see Bishop and Clerk peaks along the rugged coastline to the right. This is where the Bishop and Clerk Track on Maria Island begins.

I climbed Bishop and Clerk peaks as part of my self-guided three-day hike around Maria. For those interested in an incredible multi-day hike, consider following my route.

Hiking the Bishop and Clerk Track

Walking distance: 11 km back to Darlington via Fossil Cliffs
Duration: 3-5 hours
Altitude: 630 meters
Difficulty level: Medium (TasParks level 4)

The Bishop and Clerk Track is a fairly well maintained path that winds along the steep, rugged coastline to Cape Dolerite. Although it is not technical, a bit of climbing is required to reach the top. However, if you take your time and choose the right conditions, the peak is accessible to most.
alt=“BISHOP AND CLERK DOLERITE COLUMNS”>

Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource

I hope you enjoy this blog post. For more Tasmania travel and adventure inspiration, don’t miss my ultimate guides below.

– 62 Epic Things to Do in Tasmania – Where to Stay in Tasmania (Best Places) – 26 Amazing Waterfalls in Tasmania – 35 Must-Do Hikes in Tasmania

First section: Open grassland

The hike begins in cleared meadows along dizzying cliffs. This section is very beautiful and you are almost guaranteed to see a wombat, wallaby or kangaroo here.

This first section is completely exposed. So if there is a strong north wind, you will know about it.
alt="MARIA ISLAND SUNSET">
alt="WOMBAT ON MARIA ISLAND">

Eucalyptus forest

After climbing the gentle cliff, the route quickly becomes engulfed by dense forest. The start of the trail in the forest leading to Bishop and Clerk peaks is very wide and again absolutely teeming with wildlife.

I was lucky not to see any other hikers on my afternoon hike. As a result, I was able to observe dozens of different species of marsupials and birds along this section.

We continue for a few kilometers uphill on an increasingly narrow route through the dense forests. As altitude increases, you will notice more rocky ground and the appearance of boulders in the forest.
alt=“BISHOP AND SCRIPTURE FOREST TRACK”>
alt="BISHOP AND CLERK TRACK">

Crossing the boulder field

Suddenly and without warning, the Bishop and Clerk trail opens up to reveal a large exposed boulder field. You will notice orange reflective arrows marking the best route through this section.

It appears that Tasmanian Parks have manipulated this field to create an easier route. Honestly, this section is a breeze and you won't have any problems getting through it.

After the field has been cleared, the route leads back into the forest. This time the boulders are much larger and there are some sections where you have to climb over them.
alt=“BISHOP AND CLERK BOULDER FIELD”>Boulder field on the Bishop and Clerk Track

Climbing to Bishop and Clerk Summit

The final push to the summit involves a bit of scrambling and light rock climbing. It's not too difficult as there are again orange markers showing the best and safest route to the summit.

I would say the most difficult section is a large boulder just before the summit. You'll know what I mean when you get to it because the smooth surface doesn't offer much grip. However, if you look up, you'll notice a few cracks that are easy to grab onto and pull yourself up.

I know it may sound a little intimidating, especially for people who aren't used to climbing. But don't worry, if you take your time, you'll be fine.
alt=“BISHOP'S COLUMN MARIA ISLAND”>First view of the battlements on the ascent

View from the Bishop and Clerk on Maria Island

After climbing to the summit, I was blown away by the incredible views I was presented with. The viewpoint from the summit is great as it provides a perfect frame for the peaks overlooking Maria Island. Suddenly the towering cliffs from the start of the hike look tiny in the distance.
alt=“NARIA ISLAND COASTLINE”>
Looking north you can see the Freycinet Peninsula with the dominant peaks of Mount Graham and Mount Freycinet on the horizon.
alt="BISHOP AND CLERK OF MARIA ISLAND">
All in all, I spent over an hour photographing and admiring this unique viewpoint. Scattered sun showers painted vibrant rays of sunshine and rainbows on the rugged island ridges. In fact, I probably would have spent a little more time up here if it weren't for the persistent gusts of wind sweeping across the summit.

• alt=“WANDERN BISCHOF UND KANZLEI“>
• alt=“BISCHOF UND CLERK GIPFEL AUF MARIA ISLAND“>
• alt=“WANDERN BISCHOF UND KANZLEI“>

alt=“BISHOP AND CLERK DOLERITE COLUMNS”>
alt=“BISHOP AND CLERK DOLERITE COLUMNS HIKING ON MARY ISLAND TASMANIA”>

Return to Darlington

Returning to Darlington means traversing the same route you took on the way up. Feeling energized by the breathtaking views, I decided to walk down the mountain with my backpack and reach the fork in less than an hour.

From the fork where the Bishop and Clerk Track begins, hikers typically return around the north shore, passing the Fossil Cliffs and the Maria Island airstrip. This saves you having to repeat the same section twice and allows you to see more of the island.
alt=“BISHOP AND CIRCUIT WALK”>
alt=“MARIA ISLAND TASMANIA, VAN JOURNAL WEEK 4″>

More Tassie adventures and travel inspiration

If you enjoyed this hiking guide to Bishop and Clerk Maria Island, be sure to check out some of my other articles. I've written extensively about many different things to do in Tasmania, with lots more great photos to inspire your trip.

If you make it to the top, let me and other readers know by leaving a comment below.

alt=“BISHOP AND EMPLOYEE MARY ISLAND, HIKING”>

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
.