Michael Smith's magnificent SeaBear VH-OMS Southern Sun.

The SeaBear has a unique access method: a walkway from the stern, between the twin fins and underneath the tailplane, to the rear of the cabin. Odd, but very practical when beached.

The very comfortable cabin of Michael Smith's fabulous SeaBear.

Michael Smith arrives on completion of his circumnavigation of Australia in SeaBear VH-OMS 'Southern Sun'. Michael departed RAAF Point Cook on 6 April to re-trace the first circumnavigation of Australia by air, by Wing Commander Stanley Goble and Flying Officer Ivor McIntyre in a Fairey IIID floatplane. Michael's objective was to re-trace their route as closely as possible in both stops and timing. His arrival at Point Cook, at 2.10pm, was 100 years to the minute from Goble and McIntyre's arrival in home 1924.

Michael Smith taxies to a halt on completion of his circumnavigation of Australia in SeaBear VH-OMS 'Southern Sun'. Michael departed RAAF Point Cook on 6 April to re-trace the first circumnavigation of Australia by air, by Wing Commander Stanley Goble and Flying Officer Ivor McIntyre in a Fairey IIID floatplane. Michael's objective was to re-trace their route as closely as possible in both stops and timing. His arrival at Point Cook, at 2.10pm, was 100 years to the minute from Goble and McIntyre's arrival in home 1924.

Unusual sight at Forest Hill.

The first L-65 SeaBear was flown from the UK to Australia to mark the centenary of the flight by Ross and Keith Smith in a Vickers Vimy. Since arriving in December 2019 VH-OMS has been working its way towards Adelaide accompanied by other aircraft.

This short-lived Australian National Airways was formed by Charles Kingsford Smith and Charles Ulm in 1930 and ceased operations in Jun 1931. It is not related to the later larger ANA that merged with Ansett in 1957. This aircraft crashed at Alor Star, Malaya, on November 26, 1931 while on delivery to the UK.