Exploring Australia's Role in the Vietnam War

Exploring Australia’s Role in the Vietnam War – A 50-Year Retrospective 

From 1962 to 1972, over 50,000 Australian personnel were deployed to Vietnam. During this conflict, 523 Australians lost their lives, with many more suffering enduring physical and mental injuries. The Vietnam War sparked significant debate in Australia, a topic that has been extensively analysed, theorised, and taught in schools across the nation for many years. 

Key issues surrounding Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War include: 

• Reasons for Australia’s involvement. 
• The decision to combat communism in Vietnam. 
• The domino theory’s impact on Australian policy. 
• The ethics of conscription. 
• The divisive anti-war movement and protests across Australia. 

What remnants you can see in Vietnam today? 

In Vietnam today, Vung Tau/Baria Province, formerly Phuoc Tuy, offers educational value for school groups exploring Australia’s military history. Key sites include Long Tan, Binh Ba, and the Long Phuoc Tunnels, among others, showcasing the operational and combat zones of Australian troops. 

Customised Tours for Student Groups 

Edventure Travel customises student tours to Vung Tau/Baria, providing insights into the war’s history and battles with the help of experienced guides, historical maps, and veteran photographs. Visits include the Long Tan Cross Memorial, Task Force site at Nui Dat, and the Long Hai Hills Minh Dam Secret Zone, offering a comprehensive exploration of significant sites over one to three days.  

Here are some of the significant sites to explore during a one to three-day school excursion: 

• The former logistical base in Vung Tau – inclusive of the RnR centre, and 1st Field Hospital. 
• Long Tan Cross Memorial – situated at the site of the Battle of Long Tan. 
• Task Force site (Nui Dat) – includes SAS Hill, Luscombe Airfield, and a command post bunker. 
• The Horseshoe Fire Support Base – located within the rim of an extinct volcano. 
• Long Hai Hills and the Minh Dam Secret Zone – renowned for its rocky terrain with hideaways, bunkers, and storage areas used by the Viets Cong. 
• Long Phuoc Tunnels and Museum – where visitors can climb into the tunnels to experience the conditions. 
• Major battlefield sites – scattered around the province and beyond, can be arranged upon request. 
• Interviews with Vietnam veterans – meet former Viet Cong soldiers who fought against the Australians. 

Our tours also delve into global politics, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War’s lasting effects on Australia and globally. 

In January 2024, a group of our Vietnam and Cambodia staff members dedicated four days to revisiting former Australian military sites and battlefields as part of our annual team training. This experience served to enrich our collective knowledge for upcoming tours to the province. Throughout the excursion, we captured numerous photographs of these historic locations, which we would like to share with you below.