Bishop and Clerk Maria Island - Great Short Walk

​One of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania. Maria Island may be best known for its history and wildlife, but it also has this challenging walk that offers exhilarating cliff-top and ocean views. 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 to sheer drops and should be avoided in strong, windy conditions.​ Bicycles are permitted along the track as far as the 'no bikes' sign (approximately 2km past the Fossil Cliffs junction). Please leave bikes at this point and continue on foot.