National Vietnam Veterans Museum: Phillip Island

Located on Phillip Island, Victoria, the National Vietnam Veterans Museum offers students an opportunity to explore Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War and its lasting impact on Australian society.

The museum houses an extensive collection of military equipment, helicopters, vehicles, uniforms, medals, photographs, personal letters and historical displays. These exhibits tell the stories of Australian soldiers, nurses, photographers, national servicemen and regular soldiers, preserving their experiences for future generations.

Interactive Learning and Secondary School Programs

The museum offers a dedicated Secondary School Education Program, particularly suited to students in Years 9–12, with activities tailored to curriculum requirements. Students can participate in guided tours, a holographic light and sound presentation, hands-on experiences with military equipment and uniforms, and a mock conscription ballot demonstrating how young Australian men were selected for national service. Opportunities to hear directly from Vietnam veterans may also be available.

For students studying History and Humanities, the museum explores key curriculum themes including the Cold War, Australia's involvement in Vietnam, military operations, conscription, the anti-war movement and changing public attitudes towards the conflict. Through personal accounts, photographs and historical exhibits, students also examine the experiences of service personnel, the impact of Agent Orange, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the challenges faced by veterans and their families.

These themes encourage critical thinking, historical empathy and a deeper understanding of the conflict's lasting impact on individuals, communities and society.

‍

For more information about school visits, educational programs and the museum's exhibits, visit the National Vietnam Veterans Museum's official website.

Continuing the Learning Journey in Vietnam

We encourage schools to visit the National Vietnam Veterans Museum as a valuable introduction to Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War, particularly before undertaking an educational tour to Vietnam.

At Edventure Travel, we build upon this experience by taking students to significant historical sites, including the Long Tan Cross Memorial, the former Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, the Long Phuoc Tunnels and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Visiting these sites deepens students' understanding of Australian soldiers' experiences, the war's impact on Vietnamese communities and its enduring legacy, connecting classroom learning with history firsthand.

‍

To further explore the history of the Vietnam War and its lasting impact, visit our Vietnam educational tours page to discover historical sites and learning experiences, or contact us to start planning your school's educational journey to Vietnam.