MOST people remember Harry Houdini for his death-defying escapes from chains and padlocks, often while trapped under water.

But perhaps not as well known is possibly Houdini's greatest achievement, which he made in Australia as one of the world's first pilots.

One hundred years ago tomorrow, Houdini took off from a paddock at Diggers Rest in a Voisin biplane to complete the first powered, controlled circling flight in Australia.

Houdini was ecstatic at his achievement, as were the nine or so witnesses of the event.

Houdini made three flights that morning, reaching more than 30m in height, travelling a total of 5km.

"I shall never forget my sublime and enthralling sensations," he told The Weekly Times' reporter.

As part of a Diggers Rest Lions Club project to celebrate the anniversary, model aeroplane maker Ian Satur of Melton has made a replica of Houdini's biplane, a third of the size of the original, which will be on display at commemorative events tomorrow and at the weekend.

For Mr Satur, it was a labour of love, taking 665 painstaking hours to build it using balsa wood, cloth, wire and old pram wheels - not that much different to the original.

For details on the celebration, visit the Melton Shire website.