SYDNEY: Australian supporter groups on Sunday welcomed their national team's draw at next year's FIFA World Cup in South Africa and predicted upwards of 6,000 fans would make the trip to follow the Socceroos.

Australia, who reached the second round at the last World Cup, have been drawn to face three-time champions Germany, Ghana and Serbia in Group D at South Africa 2010.

According to FIFA, Australians have purchased the third-highest quota of tickets, making for a sizeable Australian presence in South Africa next June-July.

Australian supporter group, the Fanatics, said they were expecting around 6,000 fans will make their way to South Africa after the outcome of Friday's draw in Cape Town.

"We think more (Australian) people will travel over there now," Fanatics spokesman Warren Livingstone said.

"From the feedback we received there is no doubt that Australians were worried about travelling to Johannesburg and the fact that all of our matches are outside the area will mean that Australian fans are more willing to travel next year.

Livingstone said the added attraction of sightseeing parts of South Africa will encourage more Australian fans to go.

"From purely a travellers' perspective this is a dream draw. We get to start in Durban where the weather at that time of year is warm and barmy and the opposite of the cities at altitude and we play three-time champions Germany," he said.

"Australia then move to Rustenburg where they will face Ghana and finish with a match against Serbia in Nelspruit, on the border of Kruger National Park."

The Fanatics will set up a tented village at Durban's Kingsmead Cricket Ground, where Australia?s leading band Powderfinger will play a concert.

The fans' group said it had hired the 25,000-seater stadium for three weeks and with the help of the American Army will turn the site into a tent village for 1,500 Australian fans.

Another Australian supporters' group, the Green and Gold Army, expect to take 500 fans to South Africa.

"For the 500-or-so coming on the trip and thousands more making the trek independently, it?s great," group spokesman John McGauran said.

"Right through to the Round of 16 -- where we might well meet England -- we?ll be within a coach ride of the action, which vindicates our decision to base ourselves in the beating heart of the Cup in Johannesburg," he said.

The Australian team will be based at a secluded wildlife and fishing lodge in rural Johannesburg for the duration of the World Cup.

Football Federation Australia said the Socceroos will take over Kloofzicht Lodge, which is located about 45 minutes' drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The camp is situated at altitude and near Johannesburg?s second airport, which is expected to be used primarily for players and team officials during the World Cup.