Trig Bluff – East of Andamooka
Trig Bluff is quite a hill, rising 30 metres above the surrounding country, and table topped as are many of the hills around.
View Larger Map
Look closely at the centre of the Google Earth image and you’ll see the Trig Bluff picknic spot.
From the top can be seen a considerable expanse of Lake Torrens, out to the east and north east.
Trig Bluff is three quarters of a round hill, the southern side continuing on to meet the high country several kilometres away in the distance.
Dear devils in four wheel drives have been climbing the steep northern face. I found a better route on the west side but was still leaning well over the front of the bike, standing on the pegs for the stepest part.
Once on top I found several tracks and a sensible way up there.
At the best vantage point, with a view to the west, north and east is, well, let’s call it a picnic spot.
Central to the area is a stone fireplace; just a one and a half metre circle of stones.
Picnic spot at the adge of Trig Bluff, overlooking a vast swathe of country.
Outside this is a semi circuelar windbreak of stones incorporating a solid stone barbeque and other seating.
Right beside the seating, more or less integral with it, are two graves, apparently containing the ashes of three people. Plaques with the names of two brothers, Reg. Burge and Ron Burge and another man, Rolf Loverence, are attached.
About 20 metres to the west is the dunny. A stone dunny with no roof and no door. The walls are half a metre thick but only just high enough for a bit of privacy when sitting. But the greatest aspect of the archictecture of this well thought out construction is the pathway of flat stepping stones leading from the fireplace to the dunny. No need for dusty boots in the dunny or by the campfire.
This Picnic Spot as it is described is a meeting spot were the family and friends of Rolf would reunite when ever they would visit Andamooka all of the stone features were built by Ron Burge (rolfs best mate) and his family and friends. The one and a half metre area of stones is a dance floor were they would dance through the night while a pot of German wine would brew on the fire.
When Rolf moved to Australia he joined a 4wd club when he discoverd this beautiful place whith his mate local Resident of Andamooka Ron Burge, Rolf tagged trig bluff as his favourite place on earth.
When Rolf Died in a tragic work accident his family knew this is were he wanted to be scatterd.
About 10 years after reuniting at trig bluff Ron sadly passed away from an illnes Bev his wife reunited him with his best mate Rolf were they could be at peace and soak up the spectacular view. Trig bluff is a special place but a Very special place for two families this is why they built this very special picnic spot.
Thanks Michelle.
Great that you’ve found my story and filled in some details.
Planning another trip out that way in April 2010, this time accompanied by my grandson, who by then will be turning eleven.
Regards,
Laurie.
Hi,
I have been researching my wife’s Burge family and found this link. Ronnie & Reggie Burge are her uncles. Reggie spent quite a bit of time in Andamooka but died in Hillingdon, Middx, England. My wife heard that some of his ashes were sent to Andamooka.
I have sent your link to some of the family.
Thanks
Bruce
Thanks Bruce. It’s amazing that such an isolated and seemingly insignificant spot should hold such value to many people.
I so enjoy being out in that country. On our April 2010 trip, Nicky and I attempted to get through from Arcoona, near Woomera, to Trig Bluff, traveling on the station tracks and cross country. However, wet conditions left by recent rain blocked us and we finished up camping beside a swamp for the night.
Hi
Bruce passed this link to me. it is really interesting to read. Just goes to show the world really is getting smaller. Ronnie and Reggie were my Fathers brothers and sadly all of the family has gone now, and the next generation is getting older. Hope you manage to get to Trig Bluff in the near future.
Kind regards
Wendy
Reg and Ron Burge were my uncles and Reg would save up every year in England to travel to Andemooka once a year if he could afford it. Reg loved Andemooka and of course enjoyed visiting his brother Ron and sister in law Bev. His love of the place was such that he felt it was like Hillingdon used to be after the 2nd World war, communial, safe and care free. Sadly Ron died and a few years later so did Reg and knowing my uncle Reg’s love of Trigg Bluff I carried his ashes out from England to Andemooka and Trigg Bluff for scattering, and I experienced quite an interesting stay with my auntie Bev learning about opal mining and what a friendly community they are.
Paul Burge
11th Feb 2011