Bishop and Clerk Maria Island: hiking guide

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Hiking Bishop and Clerk Maria Island: An epic day hike to the summit of high-towering dolerite pillars on the north coast of Maria Island.

Maria Island is widely known as one of the best game reserves of Tasmania. But did you know that it is also an incredible hiking and bush hiking destination?

On the north coast of Maria Island there is a number of striking dolerite pillars with a view of the Tasman Sea. These columns were given their names due to their similarity with a hat -wearing bishop next to a clergyman. Hikers can climb these highly towering columns to enjoy an incredible view of Maria Island.

In this post I document my experience in hiking from Bishop and Clerk on Maria Island. My goal is to provide you with current, useful information with inspiring photography in order to motivate you to tackle the ascent. If you are looking for further activities on Maria Island, then do not miss my comprehensive Maria Island travel guide.

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Where is the Bishop and Clerk Track on Maria Island?

hikers can reach the Bishop and Clerk Track via Darlington on Maria Island. I assume that you already know how to come here, so I skip these details. Otherwise you have to book a ferry before planning your trip.

from Darlington, visitors must either walk to the Fossil Cliffs on foot or by bike to the west. As soon as you have reached the fork on the high -towering cliff, you will undoubtedly see the Bishop and Clerk summit along the rugged coast on the right side. This is where the Bishop and Clerk Track on Maria Island begins.

I climbed the summit Bishop and Clerk as part of my self -led three -day hike around Maria. For those who are interested in an incredible multi -day hike, they should follow my route.

Hiking at the Bishop and Clerk Track

Hiking route: 11 km back to Darlington via Fossil Cliffs
Duration: 3-5 hours
Height: 630 meters
Medium (Tasparks Grade 4)

The Bishop and Clerk Track is a fairly well -kept path that meanders along the steep, rugged coast to the Cape of Dolerite. Although it is not technical, a little climbing is required to reach the tip. However, if you take the time and select the right conditions, the summit is accessible to most.
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Ultimate Tasmanian travel resource

I hope you like this blog post. Do not miss my ultimate guides below for further travel and adventure inspirations.

-62 Epic activities in Tasmania-Overnight stays in Tasmania (best locations)-26 amazing waterfalls in Tasmania-35 must-do hikes in Tasmania

First section: Open grassland

The hike begins on cleared meadows along the dizzying cliffs. This section is very nice and you are almost guaranteed to see a Wombat, a Wallaby or a kangaroo.

This first section is completely exposed. So if there is a violent north wind, you will find out about it.
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eucalyptuswald

After you have clipped the gentle cliff, the route is quickly devoured by a dense forest. The beginning of the path in the forest, which leads to the Bishop and Clerk summit, is very wide and again absolutely full of wild animals.

I was lucky enough not to see any other hiker on my afternoon hike. As a result, I was able to observe dozens of different types ofays and birds on this section.

On the way it continues on an increasingly narrower route through the dense forests a few kilometers uphill. With increasing height, they will notice more rocky soil and the appearance of boulders in the forest.
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crossing the bouldering field

Suddenly and without warning, the Bishop-and-Clerk path opens to clear a large exposed scree field. You will notice orange, reflective arrows that mark the best route through this section.

It seems that Tasmanian Parks manipulated this field to create a simpler route. Honestly, this section is child's play and you will have no problems crossing it.

After the field is cleared, the route leads back into the forest. This time the boulders are much larger and there are some sections in which you have to climb over them.
Alt = "Bishop and Clerkerk Boulder Field"> Boulderfeld at the Bishop and Clerker Track

climbing to the bishop and clerk summit

The last advance to the summit includes a little climbing and light rock climbing. It is not too difficult because there are orange markings that show the best and safest way to the summit.

I would say that the most difficult section is a large boulder shortly before the summit. You will know what I mean when you achieve it, because the smooth surface does not offer much. However, if you look up, you will notice a few cracks where you can hold on well and pull up.

I know that it may sound a little intimidating, especially for people who are not used to climbing. But don't worry, if you take your time, you will be fine.
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View from Bishop and Clerk to Maria Island

After I had climbed the summit, I was overwhelmed by the incredible view that I was offered. The viewpoint from the summit is great because it offers a perfect frame for the summit with a view of Maria Island. Suddenly the towering cliffs look tiny from the beginning of the hike in the distance.
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If you look north, see the Freycinet Peninsula with the dominant peaks Mount Graham and Mount Freycinet on the horizon.
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All in all, I spent over an hour to photograph and admire this unique viewpoint. Occasionally sunshop painted lively sun rays and rainbows on the rugged islands. In fact, I would probably have spent a little more time up here if it hadn't been the persistent wind gusts that would sweep over the summit.

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Return to Darlington

The return to Darlington means crossing the same route that you have taken on the way up. I felt provided with energy from the breathtaking view and decided to run down the mountain with my backpack and reach the fork in less than an hour.

From the fork at which the Bishop and Clerk Track begins, hikers normally return around the north coast and pass the Fossil Cliffs and the runway from Maria Island. So you save yourself the two -time repeat of the same section and you can see more from the island.
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More Tassie adventure and travel inspiration

If you liked this hiking guide for Bishop and Clerk Maria Island, then be sure to take a look at some of my other articles. I wrote in detail about many different activities in Tasmania, with many other great photos to inspire your trip.

If you make it all the way up, let me and other readers know by leaving a comment below.

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My camera and photo equipment

  • Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
  • drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
  • 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
  • landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
  • all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
  • telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
  • Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
  • landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
  • camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
  • Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one 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 from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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