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View from the top of Bishop and Clerk, Maria Island
View from the top of Bishop and Clerk (photograph: Pierre Destribats)
60 Great Short Walks

Bishop and Clerk

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Alerts for Bishop and Clerk

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Safety alert: Critically Low Water Levels - Maria Island National Park
Applies from 9/2/2026

​​​Due to dry conditions, Maria Island's water supplies are at a critically low level, and water quality is poor.

Please help conserve ​our water resources: 

  • Bring all your drinking water.  There is no treated drinking water on Maria Island

  • Use as little water as possible from taps on the ​island.

Please note ALL showers, including the outdoor shower, are closed.​

Last reviewed 7/5/2026 03:44 PM

Planned event: Construction Works - Maria Island National Park
Applies from 28/11/2025

​​​Construction works on Maria Island will start in December 2025. They are expected to take around nine months to complete.

These upgrades will modernise infrastructure ​including: 

  • water

  • wastewater

  • electrical

Works will be managed to minimise impact but there will be heavy machinery, construction noise, dust and ground vibrations in and around Darlington.

Visitors are asked to comply with directions from staff and signage in the area.

Bookings on the ferry are essential to visit the island. Visit Encounter Maria Island to view availability and fare information.

Last reviewed 11/5/2026 11:47 AM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Cycling tracks
  • Short walk

Related PagesExpand/Collapse

    ContactExpand/Collapse

    • Maria Island Gateway
      c/- Corner Charles St and Esplanade West
      Triabunna TAS 7190
      Phone: 03 6123 4040
      Email: MariaIslandEnquiries@parks.tas.gov.au

      ​Maria Island Gateway visitor centre opening hours
      Open 7 days

      7.45am to 3.30pm from 1 September to 30 April.

      9am to 3.30pm from 1 May to 31 August.

    4-5 hour walk, 3-5 hour ride, 11km return
    Grade 4: Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.
    Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, rock scree scramble.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    ​This walk leaves from the Darlington Settlement on Maria Island, accessible by passenger ferry.

    About

    ​Maria Island may be best known for history and wildlife, but walkers who undertake this challenging walk are rewarded with exhilarating cliff-top and ocean views.

    Please note that the Bishop and Clerk Walking track is a substantial hazard area. You will encounter high unfenced cliffs and steep boulders. The summit is exposed and subject to unpredictable wind gusts. Do not attempt the steep route to the summit in high winds.​

    The 11km return walk climbs from grassland, through open forest and tall woodland, to the rocky slopes and towering dolerite columns of the summit (620m). These were named Bishop and Clerk because of the resemblance to a bishop, wearing a mitre, being followed by a clergyman.

    The views from the summit are magnificent. As the walk involves steep up and downhill sections, and an extensive field of rock boulders, it is best suited to experienced walkers. 

    To reach the summit rock scrambling is required. One section of exposed blocks of dolerite near the top requires skill and confidence to complete. The summit is exposed with sheer drops and should be avoided in strong, windy conditions.​


      Buy a map from TasMap

      ​​Access Maria Island by passenger ferry from Triabunna, located off the Tasman Highway (A3). The ferry service runs between Triabunna and Darlington, and takes around 45 minutes.

      Visit the Encounter Maria Island website for details on current ferry timetables, fares and crossing information. Passenger numbers may be limited during busy periods and advance bookings are recommended.

      There is no vehicle access to Maria Island – you can explore the island on foot or by bike.


      Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

      ​Bicycles are permitted along the track as far as the 'no bikes' sign which is at the junction of the Fossil Cliffs track and the Bishop and Clerk track. Please leave bikes at this point and continue on foot.​

      ​​​​Park entry fees apply

      Park entry fees (including those who travel to the island on their own boat or plane), Penitentiary and camping fees can be paid online or at the Maria Island Gateway in Triabunna.​

      Payment of Penitentiary and camping fees 

      You can pay for your camping fees at the Maria Island Gateway.

      Penitentiary fees can be paid online or through the Sheffield Visitor Information Centre​.

      Walk times

      Walk and ride times are walking or riding only. Please allow extra time to explore ​features along the way to make it back in time for the ferry, or if staying overnight return to camp in daylight.

      Be prepared to be self-sufficent

      Maria Island is a remote island experience, there are no shops or cafes on the island. You will need to bring enough food for your stay, refillable water bottle, sturdy walking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing including a beanie, sun protection including hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, personal first aid kit, mobile phone and a backpack to securely carry all of your belongings. Stock up on basic supplies in Triabunna before you catch the ferry.

      Check the weather forecast before you travel to ensure you have the appropriate clothing.

      All water on Maria Island is not potable and treatment is required (purification tablets or boiling for at least one minute) before use. ​Water is available from signed t​aps in the barbecue shelter and Mess Hall at Darlington. Please note this is a limited supply so bring a full water bottle with you.

      Please take all your rubbish with you when you leave. There is no rubbish tip and no rubbish collection service on the island.

      Smoking is not permitted within the accommodation precincts. Please store your butts in your own carry-out container.​

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

      ​The summit is exposed and should be avoided in strong, windy conditions.​

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      Walker safety - day walks​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.