Following his record-breaking flight to Australia in 1928, Bert Hinkler designed and built his ideal light aircraft. The Ibis was designed with the possibility of becoming an amphibian in mind, although the only prototype was strictly a land-plane. It had an enclosed cabin for two and was powered by two Salmson AD9s in a push/pull arrangement. Original flew in May 1930, but Hinkler abandoned development due to the Depression. Full-size replica constructed 1987-88 & displayed Hinkler Hall of Aviation.

Recently installed in the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, this aircraft is painted to represent the aircraft Bert Hinkler used to make the first solo crossing of the South Atlantic in 1931. Sadly, Hinkler died in the real 'Karohi' when he crashed at Mt Pratomango, Italy, on 7 January 1933 whilst attempting a solo record flight to Australia. The exhibited aircraft was registered new as VH-UPA to the then tiny Q.A.N.T.A.S. on 9 September 1930. After changing hands several times, it became VH-ABU in 1948.