The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is a local project with national significance.

Utilising the picturesque stretch of Walk The Yorke between Coobowie and Edithburgh, the Memorial Walk will include stunning signage detailing every Australian unit involved in the Vietnam conflict. This comprehensive collection of information will make the Vietnam War Memorial Walk the first and only of its kind in Australia.

The Memorial Walk has been developed by local residents Roger Hogben and John Edwards, supported by Yorke Peninsula Council and a range of community/stakeholder organisations. It recognises the strong and proud Veteran presence on Yorke Peninsula.

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk is being produced at no cost to Yorke Peninsula Council ratepayers thanks to funding from the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

 

Official opening – you are invited

You are invited to the Official Opening of the Vietnam War Memorial Walk, featuring a genuine Vietnam War Huey helicopter, VIP guests and much more.

A major opening ceremony for a major project.

Venue: Edithburgh Golf Course, corner Giles Terrace and O’Halloran Parade

Time: 10.30am for 11am Monday, 18 August

To be followed by a luncheon at the Edithburgh Sports and Community Club

(VIP guests to be advised of luncheon details)

Come for the Official Opening, get up and close with a Huey helicopter, pay tribute to those who served on the 18th of August 2025 – the Vietnam Veterans Day that marks 50 years since the final Aussie left Vietnam. Stick around for the concert event John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew (bookings essential, details below).

The Official Opening and Concert are supported by a grant from Veterans SA’s ANZAC Day Commemoration Fund.

 

Tickets now on sale:

Vietnam War Memorial Walk Official Opening Concert featuring John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew (ex-Redgum, ‘I Was Only 19’) presenting their Behind The Lines live music experience.

Venue: Light Church, Edithburgh

Time: 2pm Monday, 18 August (after Official Opening and luncheon)

For details, or to book tickets, visit: SA Tix – Providing ticketing across South Australia

 

 

Sponsor a seat

Mr Hogben and Mr Edwards are now offering the opportunity for select individuals and groups to sponsor seating along the 3.7-kilometre trek. Each seat will be precision laser cut to fit with the Memorial Walk aesthetic and will prominently feature the sponsor. These will allow walkers, especially Veterans and the elderly, to take scenic rest breaks along the walk. All sponsorships, donations and other funds raised will be held by Edithburgh Progress Association for use developing the Memorial Walk.

To enquire about the Memorial Walk, or about a sponsorship/donation, please email admin@yorke.sa.gov.au with the subject line Vietnam War Memorial Walk.

 

More information

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk will lead people on an educational and poignant stroll along the stunning south-east Yorke Peninsula coastline between Coobowie and Edithburgh.
The walk will include two entry/exit signs, two honour roll boards of a maximum 1.8 metres height, 10 boards of a maximum 1.8 metres height, 15 smaller boards, and bench seats. It will follow the existing walking path which acts as a key section of the 500-kilometre Walk the Yorke track that follows the entire Yorke Peninsula coastline and is maintained as part of Yorke Peninsula Council’s routine operations.
These signs will detail every unit posted to the Vietnam conflict including those which have until now received minimal recognition. In doing so, the walk will become a long-term educational tool as well as a visitor drawcard and source of local pride.
This grassroots initiative was developed by Yorke Peninsula residents Roger Hogben (4RAR, National Service) and John Edwards (longstanding community volunteer). Mr Hogben and Mr Edwards realised the need for such a memorial to honour the full breadth of Australians who served in Vietnam. This unique content will make the Vietnam War Memorial Walk the only memorial of its type in Australia. It will also be the only Vietnam War Memorial Walk of any type in South Australia.
The project is backed by tremendous support including from State and Federal Ministers, the Returned and Services League, the Vietnam Veterans Association, National Servicemen’s Association, as well as local community and business leaders. Yorke Peninsula Council has formally endorsed the project and has led the process for obtaining a grant to fund the infrastructure via the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, as well as procurement of the signage.
All content contained within the signage proposed for the Vietnam War Memorial Walk has been meticulously researched, and submitted to the Vietnam Veterans Association for independent verification in accordance with the direction of the Australian War Memorial. All insignia has been verified and approved by Australian Defence Force brand managers.

Yorke Peninsula Council held a public consultation process about the proposed Vietnam War Memorial Walk in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy from 19 December 2023 to 10 January 2024.
Information supplied to the public included the locations of all signs along the route, the specific locations of the archways and honour roll boards, and an artist’s impression of the proposed archways (refer Appendix 4).
Consultation included:
• Information sent directly to property owners in the vicinity of the archways and honour roll boards
• Article on Council’s website
• Three Facebook posts
• A public notice in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Council received numerous formal responses about the proposal, and acted to alter the plan for the Memorial Walk accordingly. This included a new starting point at each end, further away from residences, and adjustments to maximise the safety of those walking along the path.
Consultation was accepted and the changes endorsed at Council’s meeting 17 January 2024.

The Vietnam War Memorial Walk will run between Edithburgh and Coobowie on the existing Walk The Yorke trail.