Painted Cliffs Walk
- September 17, 2026
An easy, low-tide coastal walk on Maria Island to a set of honeycomb-patterned sandstone cliffs, one of Tasmania's 60 Great…
Rising dramatically above the northern end of Maria Island, Bishop and Clerk is one of Tasmania’s great coastal mountain walks – a challenging climb combining convict and industrial history, beautiful forest, unusual geology and extraordinary views over the Tasman Sea. Starting from the historic settlement of Darlington, the track follows part of an old route past the remains of Maria Island’s industrial era before climbing steadily towards the island’s distinctive dolerite peaks. The final section is the real challenge. Large dolerite boulders guard the summit, requiring careful hands-on scrambling before walkers emerge beside the spectacular twin columns known as the Bishop and Clerk. At approximately 620 metres above sea level, the summit provides sweeping views along Maria Island and across the Tasman Sea towards the Freycinet Peninsula and the Tasmanian mainland. One of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, Bishop and Clerk is considerably more demanding than Maria Island’s easier walks, but for experienced and well-prepared walkers the summit panorama is difficult to beat.
Location: Maria Island National Park, East Coast Tasmania
Distance: Approximately 11 km return
Time: Approximately 4–5 hours return
Summit: Approximately 620 metres
Difficulty: Hard – Grade 4
Track Type: Return from Darlington to Bishop and Clerk
Track Surface: Formed track and forest trail followed by steep, rocky terrain and large dolerite boulders near the summit
Best Time: A clear, dry and calm day for the best views and safer conditions on the summit boulders
The Bishop and Clerk walk begins at Darlington, the historic settlement where visitors arrive on Maria Island. From the settlement, follow the signed walking route towards the northern end of the island. The early stages are relatively gentle and provide an interesting introduction to Maria Island’s layered history, passing remnants associated with the island’s industrial period before the track begins climbing more seriously. The route gradually leaves the open country around Darlington and enters forest on the lower slopes of the mountain. As elevation increases, the gradient becomes steeper and the vegetation begins to change. Eventually, the track reaches the rocky upper slopes beneath the distinctive dolerite columns of Bishop and Clerk. The final approach requires careful scrambling over large boulders before reaching the spectacular summit area approximately 620 metres above the sea. After enjoying the views, return to Darlington along the same route, taking particular care while descending the steep boulder section.
Bishop and Clerk is a walk that becomes progressively more difficult. The relatively gentle beginning can make the first part feel deceptively easy, but the sustained climbing later in the route and the rocky final ascent make this a genuine mountain walk. The forest provides some protection from wind and weather during the middle stages, while occasional openings offer increasingly impressive glimpses across Maria Island and the surrounding sea. Higher up, the track becomes noticeably rougher as large rocks and boulders begin to dominate the terrain. Take your time and save some energy for the final summit approach.
The final section beneath Bishop and Clerk is the most challenging part of the walk. Large dolerite boulders require walkers to use their hands for balance and upward movement in several places. This isn’t technical rock climbing, but it does require confidence moving across steep, uneven rocks. The same section must be negotiated again on the descent, when some of the larger steps can feel considerably more awkward. Good hiking footwear with reliable grip is essential, and the upper section should be treated with particular caution when rocks are wet.
The mountain’s unusual name comes from the distinctive dolerite columns dominating the skyline. Viewed from the right angle, the formations were thought to resemble a bishop wearing a mitre accompanied by a clergyman or clerk. The columns form part of the spectacular dolerite geology that characterises many of Tasmania’s mountains and sea cliffs. Up close, their enormous scale becomes much more apparent, with fractured columns and huge boulders creating a rugged landscape high above the coast.
Reaching the summit area of Bishop and Clerk is one of Maria Island’s great bushwalking experiences. After the enclosed forest and steep boulder climb, the landscape suddenly opens to enormous coastal views. On a clear day, the panorama can extend across Maria Island, Mercury Passage and the Tasman Sea towards the Freycinet Peninsula and the Tasmanian mainland. The exposed summit also provides a dramatic view down the steep eastern side of the mountain towards the ocean far below. It’s a spectacular place to stop for lunch or a break in settled weather, but the summit is exposed to wind and conditions can change rapidly.
Clear conditions can provide views towards:
The combination of elevation and proximity to the coast makes the summit panorama particularly dramatic.
The Bishop and Clerk route also passes through a landscape shaped by Maria Island’s fascinating industrial history. During the early twentieth century, entrepreneur Diego Bernacchi attempted to transform Maria Island into an industrial centre based around cement production and other enterprises. The remains of former industrial sites and workers’ accommodation around the northern end of the island provide reminders of this ambitious period. Among the historic remains associated with the area are the workers’ cottages known as the Twelve Apostles. These historical features give the lower part of the Bishop and Clerk walk an entirely different character from the wild mountain landscape encountered higher up.
Few Tasmanian walks combine history and mountain scenery as effectively as Bishop and Clerk. The walk begins amid the historic buildings and ruins of Darlington, one of Australia’s most significant convict landscapes. Within a few hours, walkers have left those historic buildings far below and are standing among rugged dolerite formations overlooking the Tasman Sea. That transition from World Heritage convict settlement to exposed mountain summit is one of the features that makes the walk particularly memorable.
Bishop and Clerk crosses a wide range of terrain as it climbs from Darlington towards the summit.
Expect:
The final boulder section is considerably more demanding than the lower portions of the walk.
Bishop and Clerk is rated Grade 4 and should be treated as a challenging half-day mountain walk. The combination of distance, sustained climbing and the steep boulder scramble near the summit requires good fitness and confidence on rough terrain. Walkers need to be comfortable using their hands to negotiate large rocks and should remember that the same obstacles must be descended on the return journey. Wet weather significantly increases the difficulty of the upper section.
Weather conditions can change quickly on the exposed upper slopes of Bishop and Clerk. The summit may be considerably colder and windier than Darlington, even when conditions around the settlement are pleasant. Low cloud can obscure the views and make the upper mountain considerably less enjoyable. Rain also makes the dolerite boulders more slippery. Check the forecast before leaving Darlington and consider choosing one of Maria Island’s lower-level walks if poor weather is expected.
Start early and don’t rush the summit.
Allow around 4–5 hours for the return walk and give yourself additional time to enjoy the views if conditions are good. An early start also means cooler conditions for the climb and provides plenty of daylight for negotiating the rocky descent.
Maria Island is one of Tasmania’s outstanding wildlife destinations. Walkers may encounter wombats, wallabies, pademelons and Cape Barren geese around the lower and more open sections of the walk. Tasmanian devils also live on Maria Island, although they are much less likely to be encountered during a daytime walk. The island’s relative isolation and lack of private vehicles make wildlife encounters particularly memorable. Observe all animals from a respectful distance and never feed wildlife.
Not generally for young children.
The distance, sustained climb, large summit boulders and exposed terrain make Bishop and Clerk unsuitable for most younger walkers. Fit and experienced older children or teenagers who are confident on steep rocky terrain may be capable of completing the walk with experienced adult supervision in good conditions. Families with younger children have several easier alternatives around Darlington, including the Painted Cliffs Walk and Reservoir Circuit.
No. Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted within Maria Island National Park. Maria Island is an important wildlife sanctuary, with native animals frequently encountered around Darlington and along the island’s walking tracks.
Maria Island is reached by passenger ferry from Triabunna on Tasmania’s East Coast. There are no public visitor cars on the island, so once you arrive at Darlington you explore on foot or bicycle. The ferry crossing takes you across Mercury Passage to the jetty at Darlington. If visiting Bishop and Clerk as a day trip, check the current ferry timetable carefully and make sure you have enough time to complete the walk and return before your scheduled departure.
A valid Tasmania Parks Pass is required to visit Maria Island National Park.
The Bishop and Clerk walk begins from Darlington, close to the ferry arrival point. From the historic settlement, follow the signed walking route north towards Bishop and Clerk. The early track passes through the historic and former industrial landscape before beginning the sustained climb towards the mountain.
There are no facilities on the upper Bishop and Clerk walking track.
Facilities around Darlington include:
Food and supplies are limited on Maria Island, so walkers should bring everything required for the day from the mainland.
Carry sufficient drinking water rather than relying on water being available along the walking route.
Maria Island has an outstanding network of walks ranging from easy coastal strolls to another challenging mountain summit.
The Painted Cliffs Walk leads from Darlington towards beautifully patterned sandstone cliffs beside Hopground Beach.
It’s considerably easier than Bishop and Clerk and is one of Maria Island’s most popular short walks.
The Reservoir Circuit explores forest and historic landscapes behind Darlington, providing an easier alternative for visitors wanting to experience another side of northern Maria Island.
The Fossil Cliffs Circuit explores the coastline north of Darlington, where spectacular limestone cliffs contain an extraordinary concentration of ancient marine fossils.
The circuit also passes remnants of Maria Island’s former cement industry and combines particularly well with the island’s convict and industrial history.
The Mount Maria Walk climbs to the island’s highest point at approximately 711 metres.
Like Bishop and Clerk, it’s a demanding mountain walk requiring good fitness and suitable weather, but it explores a very different part of Maria Island’s interior.
Bishop and Clerk can occupy most of a day visit to Maria Island, particularly once ferry travel and time exploring Darlington are included. Start on an early ferry from Triabunna and begin the climb soon after arriving at Darlington. After returning from Bishop and Clerk, spend some time exploring the historic settlement and watching for the wombats, wallabies and Cape Barren geese that regularly wander through the surrounding grasslands. If time and energy allow, add one of the easier walks around Darlington rather than attempting another major mountain route. The Fossil Cliffs or Painted Cliffs are excellent additions, although ferry departure times should always determine how far you venture from Darlington.
The Bishop and Clerk Hike brings together almost everything that makes Maria Island such an extraordinary bushwalking destination. The walk begins among one of Tasmania’s most significant historic landscapes, passes reminders of the island’s industrial past and climbs through forest towards enormous dolerite columns perched high above the Tasman Sea. The final boulder scramble provides a genuine physical challenge, but the reward is one of the finest coastal panoramas on Maria Island. On a clear day, with the Freycinet Peninsula and Schouten Island visible across the water and the Tasman Sea stretching below the mountain, it’s easy to understand why Bishop and Clerk has become one of Tasmania’s celebrated day walks.
For fit walkers comfortable with steep, rocky terrain, Bishop and Clerk is an essential Maria Island adventure.
An easy, low-tide coastal walk on Maria Island to a set of honeycomb-patterned sandstone cliffs, one of Tasmania's 60 Great…
A self-guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict precinct at Darlington, Maria Island's only settlement.
An easy, sheltered walk through woodland and tall eucalypt forest to a convict-built reservoir, one of the best spots on…
A boardwalk walk to a 7,000-year-old calcified forest and dramatic cliff lookout in King Island"s remote south-west.
A great short walk on Maria Island suitable for all ages and standards and that can also be undertaken by…
