Climbing Nui Dat — Brady Haran

Nui Dat was the main headquarters for the Australian forces in the Vietnam War.

I've heard the name many times because my dad was based there for his two tours of duty.

But it became more than just a name when I finally visited, and Dad took me to the top of "Nui Dat" itself!

While the Australian forces were mainly spread under the shade of a surrounding rubber plantation, Nui Dat actually means "small hill" or "clay hill" or "small dirt hill" (depending on who you ask).

The hill itself was at the centre of the Australian base, but was only really used by SAS troops.

And by dad for training his tracking dog, Caesar!

Nui Dat's SAS Hill in 1971 (image: Australian War Memorial)

I'm a bit biased, but I really recommend my dad's book Trackers.

And more videos with dad are here, including this one: