A Return to Nature, Day 3 – Maria Island, Tasmania

After a little bit of drizzle and a hot shower ($1 per 2mins!) the sun popped its head out, giving us another postcard perfect day on the island!

Darlington - Maria Island, Tasmania

Darlington – Maria Island, Tasmania

Feeling a lot more motivated after laying off the wines, we decided to attempt the bushwalk to the top of Bishop and Clerk, the rocky peak at the northern tip of Maria Island.

We added our bikes to the already growing pile near the edge of the Skipping Cliffs, and made our way up the cliff edge towards the tree line.

Getting Steeper - Maria Island, Tasmania

Getting Steeper – Maria Island, Tasmania

And so it begins! - Maria Island, Tasmania

And so it begins! – Maria Island, Tasmania

Half Way up Bishop and Clerk - Maria Island, Tasmania

Half Way up Bishop and Clerk – Maria Island, Tasmania

The walk was absolutely fantastic! The path is well made for most of the distance, narrowing as you get to the steeper, rocky sections towards the end.

Be warned though, the last 50m or so of the walk involves scrambling up some very large boulders, with very little to hang onto and a very steep drop if you make a mistake!

As you get higher and higher you keep getting glimpses of the cliffs and headland behind you, but it can’t possibly prepare you for the panorama that greets you at the top. Sensational!

At the top of Bishop and Clerk looking back - Maria Island, Tasmania

At the top of Bishop and Clerk looking back – Maria Island, Tasmania

Freycinet from Bishop and Clerk - Maria Island, Tasmania

Freycinet from Bishop and Clerk – Maria Island, Tasmania

After a bite to eat for morning tea, sheltering from the chilly breeze behind the rocks, we made our way back down to our bikes and cycled back to camp.

So many butterflies everywhere! - Maria Island, Tasmania

So many butterflies everywhere! – Maria Island, Tasmania

With lunch in our bellies we decided to make the most of our mountain bikes and took off on a ride down to French’s Farm and Encampment Cove.

Following the coastline for much of the way,  we found heaps of secluded little beaches that would have been great to stop  at, but we knew we had to push on or we wouldn’t be back before dusk! Taking around 1.5hrs, we eventually arrived at French’s Farm.

French’s Farm is located in a meadow cleared of trees, scattered with ferns and other bushes. As it was approaching late afternoon we were lucky enough to spot a few wombats foraging in the area. Gorgeous creatures.

The farmhouse at French's Farm - Maria Island, Tasmania

The farmhouse at French’s Farm – Maria Island, Tasmania

Wool shed at French's Farm - Maria Island, Tasmania

Wool shed at French’s Farm – Maria Island, Tasmania

“I’m not here…you can’t see me…” – Maria Island, Tasmania

Mum and bubby wombat - Maria Island, Tasmania

Mum and bubby wombat – Maria Island, Tasmania

Pushing on from French’s Farm we rode another 10min to the south to Encampment Cove. Looked like a great camp site that we could make use of the next time we visit Maria Island!

River at Encampment Cove - Maria Island, Tasmania

River at Encampment Cove – Maria Island, Tasmania

Riding back the way we came, I stopped for a little while at Four Mile Creek to take some shots of the reflections in the water. Very peaceful.

Lone tree at Four Mile Creek - Maria Island, Tasmania

Lone tree at Four Mile Creek – Maria Island, Tasmania

Returning to camp just before dusk, we passed by heaps of wombats and wallabies, all looking very confused at these crazy two wheeled contraptions flying past them on the dirt roads!

Another great day, topped off with a hearty canned stew and another drop of red (of course!) before hitting the sack.

Click here for Day 4 of our Maria Island adventures…


More articles about Maria Island

If you’d like to read more about Maria Island and its many bushwalking opportunities, then you’ll love these two articles:

Are you planning a road trip down Tasmania’s East Coast? Our friends at the Lap of Tasmania have all the info you need to plan and experience the ultimate Aussie road trip!

Happy travels!

Andrew and Karen.