Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a robust hike at Maria Island National Park, Tasmania, just 85km from Darlington. This challenging 14.5km return journey starts and ends at the Visitors Centre, taking roughly 5 hours to complete. This Grade 4 trail is not for the faint-hearted, offering stimulating uphill and downhill walks through intriguing rock boulder fields and rewarding hikers with sensational cliff-top and ocean views. Pack your energy and enthusiasm for an unforgettable bushwalk adventure.

Length:

14.5km

Duration:

5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 583m

Min elevation: 3m

Total Ascent: 873m

Start: Visitors Centre

End: Visitors Centre

Maria Island National Park

Tasmania

Nearby town: Darlington

From state capital: 85km

Latitude: -42.58197636401122

Longitude: 148.06520104408267

Overview

Map

Gallery

Weather

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Region

5,817 views

Hike overview

Located in the Maria Island National Park, this challenging walk offers exhilarating cliff-top and ocean views. It is for the physically fit, and involves an up and downhill walk, through an extensive field of rock boulders.

Highlights

These towering dolerite columns are so named because of the resemblance to a bishop, wearing a mitre, being followed by a clergyman. The walk takes you from grasslands, through open forest and tall woodland, to the rocky slopes and finally the summit.

The summit is often cloaked in a layer of cloud. Remarkably, species commonly found in the wet rainforests of the west also occur in tiny pockets on the summit due to the microclimatic conditions.

Needless to say, the views from the summit are magnificent, as our Virtual Visit Panorama shows.

Tips

Park entry fees apply, ferry charges and camping fees apply.

Picnic, toilet and gas barbecue facilities. There are no shops on the island. Basic hut and camping accommodation (own bedding, stove and food required).

Steep and difficult.

Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, rock screed scramble.

Pets or firearms not allowed. Bicycles are permitted to the point where the Bishop and Clerk track departs from the Fossil Cliffs track.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Bishop & Clerk Hike (14.5km)

Total distance: 14583 m
Max elevation: 583 m
Min elevation: 3 m
Total climbing: 873 m
Total descent: -873 m

For more information about this hiking trail please visit Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Maria Island National Park.

A ferry operates to Maria Island. The ferry departure point is at Triabunna.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bicheno, Dunalley, Orford, Sorell, Swansea, Triabunna

About the region

The East Coast and Flinders Island

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Maria Island National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Bishop & Clerk Hike (14.5km)

7 Reviews on “Bishop & Clerk Hike (14.5km)”

Overall rating

Stella Hardiman

Logan Humphrey

24/03/2022, 05:12

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance