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Police Corporal Alfred Burtt, with Police Trooper Mole had been directed to join Peter Egerton Warburton's main expedition exploring in the region of what is now known as Lake Eyre South. Warburton had taken over the expedition led by Benjamin Babbage and was exploring the region endeavouring to find a path through the apparent barrier of salt lakes. This barrier, first described by Edward Eyre in 1840 appeared to block passage to the north of South Australia. Between 18 and 26 October 1858 Burtt travelled in the region trying to link up with Warburton's party. He considered that there was no continuous horseshoe shaped lake, and that there was a passage to the north. Troopers Hill near the centre of the map is located at 29 degrees 84 minutes South, 137 degrees 65 minutes East. Termination Hill is at 30 degrees 25 minutes, 138 degrees, 4 minutes.

Edward Eyre had considered that there was a continuous lake in a 180 degree arc as no matter which way he explored he was defeated in forward movement by the shimmering haze of salt lakes. Finally in 1858 the South Australian government prepared a large expedition led by Babbage to thoroughly explore and survey the area. Taking too long to achieve this he was replaced by Warburton, when he was on the verge of discovering a gap. Other explorers in the area also found gaps between the many salt lakes of the region. These included John McDouall Stuart and Augustus Gregory. The route to the north had been found.

Burtt, Alfred P.

Babbage, Benjamin Herschel, 1815-1878

Warburton, Peter Egerton, 1813-1889

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Taking it to the edge August 2004-