From correspondents in New South Wales, Australia, 04:03 PM IST

Australia has picked a hill station outside Johannesburg as its base for next year's World Cup in South Africa, news reports said Friday.

The squad will reside in the Kloofzicht Lodge in Muldersdrift, a 40-minute drive to both Johannesburg and Pretoria, national broadcaster ABC reported.

Muldersdrift is in the foothills of the Zwartkops Mountains, and the accommodation is five-star.

Australian coach Pim Verbeek was quoted as saying the advantage of Muldersdrift was its elevation. He said its altitude was a primary consideration in the choice.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)