FIFA has accredited four companies in Australia with the rights to sell supporter travel packages to the tournament. Each has different types of packages at various price points.

Obviously it's hard to review these packages until we land in the Republic, but we hope to give you a rough idea of what's on offer, the challenges that South Africa offer compared to Germany and where to go for more info.

One of those accredited organisations is the Green and Gold Army - the Socceroos' national supporters group. Their "Follow Australia" tour packages (in conjunction with accredited provider Premium Sport Tours) go on sale today (Wednesday) at www.ggarmyontour.com. You can also try www.ggarmy.com for general info.

Security will be of prime concern next year in a country synonymous with criminal activity, says the GGA.

"We're in the safest part of Joburg. We've had people over there checking it out over the last few weeks and we've already got an entire hotel booked out for our group," spokesman John McGauran told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"The GGArmy has focused heavily on security and that is why we have chosen the 'Torah of South Africa, the Stanton/Bedfordview area of J'Burg. We're aiming to offer the most secure and enjoyably experience possible in a destination not as free and easy as Germany 2006."

That point about security was underlined in recent days after Aussie Super 14 Rugby team the Brumbies had their laptops, cell phones and other belongings stolen from their team hotel.

"And there are issues with transport around the country but we'll have that 100% covered.," added McGauran.

"It's not like Germany where you could wing it once there with the travel."

The Fanatics - a sports travel company specialising in Aussie sporting teams and tours, not just the Socceroos - also offer various packages.

In one package, The Fanatics have booked out a 25,000 seater stadium in Durban with, they say, 550 pre-erected semi-luxury tents on the ground. As you'd expect, there are big screens to watch the games, live bands, DJs, bars, BBQs and a football pitch.

They describe it as a "totally secure environment" that's right next to Durban's beach promenade (1km walk) and within walking distance of the Moses Mabhida Stadium, home to five group stage matches.

The Fanatics also have a Cape Town package for those who want to do the trip in hotels "with a bit more style".

As they explain, South Africa will pose a challenge. "A first look at the draw demonstrates that every country plays in a different city for each match, making the ability to choose a city to base ourselves very difficult. There is just not the hotel numbers in South Africa that there was in Germany.

"In 2006 we could travel to a city on the eve of the match  base ourselves there for that match before setting off to the next game - we will not have that luxury in 2010.

"That makes the accommodation in South Africa very difficult to contract, as scarcity of hotel rooms is driving up the price  as a result the number of packages we are releasing has not only been limited by our ticket allocation but also the accommodation that we are able to provide.

"Transport will also be difficult as the country is so spread out there won't be an opportunity to jump on a high speed train like there was in Germany. For example a train from Cape Town to Joburg takes 27 hours so for the long hauls we will be relying on two jumbo jets that we have chartered to ferry passengers.

"For the shorter distances we have chartered 20 semi-luxury coaches to travel between the matches."

For more information on the Fanatics World Cup 2010 tours, head to www.thefanatics.com.

Total Sports Travel also have packages and are FIFA accredited. They state on their website that they will have available for sale "official" match tickets to the FIFA World Cup (www.totalsportstravel.com.au).  

"These tickets will be packaged together with accommodation, touring and airfares. Substantial deposits and fees have already been outlaid to secure tickets. The draw will be announced on 4th December 2009 and at that time we will be able to advise you where your team will be playing their matches.

"We have secured accommodation throughout South Africa to ensure you don't miss out. Final itineraries will be released in December when the draw is released."

Packages for a 12 day tour including the 3 pool matches start from $9,995 per person twin share.

Sportsnet Holidays are the fourth official provider of packages. There is little information on their website right now (look for the "other sports" tab and scroll down to "soccer"). But you can register your interest at www.sportsnetholidays.com or free call 1300 888 858.

For further general ticketing information for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa head to http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/index.html. The second sales phase of tickets begins on May 4.

Whichever way you get there, we hope the world once again sees what international class football fans we have in Australia. And in doing so, it surely cannot harm our chances of hosting a World Cup of our own.

As John McGauran from the Green Gold Army said: "Security issues won't stop us from having a great time.

"You get a bunch of Socceroo fans together at a World Cup, how can that not be fantastic fun?"