Australian-first Vietnam War Memorial Walk opens

Article courtesy of Veterans SA

L to R: Roger Hogben, Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson, John Edwards and Sir Peter Cosgrove at the entrance to the walk (Photo by Rod Penna, courtesy of the Yorke Peninsula Country Times)
 L to R: Roger Hogben, Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson, John Edwards and Sir Peter Cosgrove at the entrance to the walk (Photo by Rod Penna, courtesy of the Yorke Peninsula Country Times)

 

Last year, the Yorke Peninsula community in South Australia commemorated 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War with the launch of its new Vietnam War Memorial Walk. 

The Walk is a thoughtfully crafted 3.7 kilometre bespoke stretch of the Yorke tourist trail between the townships of Coobowie and Edithburgh that pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of Australia’s Vietnam War veterans. Along the route, trail walkers can interact with 29 laser-cut signs containing information about every Australian unit that served in the Vietnam War. 

One of the 29 signs along the Vietnam War Memorial Walk in SA's Yorke Peninsula

The concept for the Memorial Walk was developed by Roger Hogben, a local resident who served in Vietnam as a member of the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Mr Hogben identified the path linking Edithburgh to Coobowie as the ideal location due to its scenic views and townships with businesses and services at both ends. 

Mr Hogben said the Memorial Walk was important to recognise the often misunderstood efforts of Australians in the Vietnam War and that Yorke Peninsula was a fitting location due to its strong veteran population – more than 5% of the state’s veteran population reside on the Yorke Peninsula and in the Mid North. 

‘The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is about paying tribute to all who served in Vietnam,’ Mr Hogben said. ‘It has been built to stand the test of time and will be an educational tool for future generations.’ 

Approximately 800 people attended the official launch at Edithburgh Golf Course on Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2025, including veterans, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Retd), Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson PSM, and Max Ball National President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. 

A highlight of the launch was a visit from a genuine Vietnam-era Huey helicopter that flew in from NSW and landed on the golf course. 

‘The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is a powerful and lasting tribute, not only to those who served but to the spirit of our community,’ Yorke Peninsula Council Acting Mayor Richard Carruthers said. ‘It gives locals and visitors alike a chance to pause, reflect and honour the sacrifices made. It combines history, culture and natural beauty in a way that is truly unique, and we hope it becomes a destination where many people can learn, reflect and pay their respects.’ 

Each element of the Walk was meticulously designed and verified in consultation with the Vietnam Veterans Association and the Australian War Memorial to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity of unit insignia. Major funding support came from DVA’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program and Veterans SA’s ANZAC Day Commemoration Fund. 

To learn more, visit the website of the Yorke Peninsula Council. 

A commemorative bench along the Vietnam War Memorial Walk in SA's Yorke Peninsula