FED: Dick Smith successfully completes Trans Tasman crossing

AAP General News (Australia)
02-24-2000
FED: Dick Smith successfully completes Trans Tasman crossing

By Dale Paget and Karen Michelmore

ILUKA, NSW, Feb 24 AAP - Millionaire adventurer Dick Smith completed the first hot
air balloon crossing from New Zealand to Australia today in spectacular style, landing
in surf and riding the waves for the final 50 metres into shore.

The historic crossing ended when the balloon carrying Mr Smith and co-pilot John Wallington
washed ashore on a remote beach near the fishing town of Iluka on the New South Wales
north coast.

More than 300 curious onlookers, including children from the local …