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Bishop and Clerk Summit Walk

Dolerite heights over Mercury Passage

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schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026

The Bishop and Clerk walk is Maria Island's most demanding day hike, climbing 583 metres through grassland, open forest and dolerite boulder fields to twin peaks that, viewed from the mainland, resemble a bishop in a mitre accompanied by a clergyman. The 14.5-kilometre return route from the Darlington visitor centre typically takes five hours and rewards the effort with sweeping cliff-top views across Mercury Passage and the Tasmanian coastline. The walk is graded 4 (hard) and is suited to experienced, fit walkers only.

The track departs from the visitor centre at Darlington and initially shares the coastal route toward the Fossil Cliffs before branching onto the ridge ascent. The opening section crosses open grassland grazed by Forester kangaroos and wombats before the track enters tall eucalyptus forest and begins climbing steeply. Large blocks of exposed dolerite become increasingly frequent with altitude, and the final section to the summit involves scrambling across boulder fields with some unprotected cliff edges requiring care and sure-footedness.

At the summit the twin peaks rise to 583 metres and offer an almost uninterrupted panorama on clear days, extending across Frederick Henry Bay and the Forestier Peninsula. The distinctive columnar jointing of the dolerite is similar to formations found at Cape Pillar and the Organ Pipes on kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Pockets of temperate rainforest species survive in sheltered gullies near the summit, an unusual ecological feature within the otherwise dry coastal setting.

Walkers should carry at least two litres of water per person given the island's current water shortage, along with food, warm and waterproof layers, and a fully charged mobile phone. Weather on the summit can change rapidly. Leave trip intentions with a trusted contact before departing. An early morning ferry from Triabunna is strongly recommended to allow enough daylight for the full return walk.

Scenic views

Lookouts near Bishop and Clerk Summit Walk.

All Tasmania lookouts east

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