A rare period of spare time during the Socceroos' gruelling pre-World Cup training camp in South Africa has proved an inspirational lesson for Tim Cahill.

The Everton midfielder admitted he was deeply moved and angered by a visit to the Apartheid Museum - which illustrates starkly the history of the nation's apartheid policy which separated whites and blacks for more than 40 years.

"To see it in reality, the way it was, not only angered me but gave me inspiration for football and life in general," said Cahill, who is of Samoan descent.

"It was beautiful, something that gave me some inspiration, and I learned about the people."

While making it clear he and the Australian team are not here for a holiday, Cahill has done more than most to immerse himself in his new surrounds as Africa prepares to host its first ever World Cup and the Socceroos prepare to play their part.

The Australians were the first team here, and over the next few days the rest of the 32 teams will arrive on African soil ahead of the tournament from June 11 to July 11.

Cahill has been intrigued and interested to see how South Africans are warming to the prospect of hosting the World Cup.

He admits watching the people's excitement has whetted his appetite for Australia to get its chance to do the same in 2018 or 2022.

"It is such a nice place, South Africa," he said.

"The way we've been treated, the security's been first-class, the people have been so welcoming.

"It's good for the country to have football here. They deserve it. I see no negatives.

"Hopefully we can have the chance in Australia one day to do it as well."

So far it's going to plan for Cahill and the Socceroos at their training camp at altitude in Johannesburg ahead of their World Cup opener against Germany on June 13 (June 14 AEST) in Durban.

Tough sessions at the picturesque St Stithian's College - more than 1700 metres above sea level - have been designed to use altitude training to build the players a superior fitness base.

The Socceroos shift gear next week when they move to their World Cup base camp - Kloofzicht Lodge - a luxurious five-star rural retreat less than an hour's drive from Johannesburg.

Back dropped by the Zwartkops Mountains, it has spaciously appointed rooms, its own nature reserve, dams for fly-fishing and its own micro-brewery.

The players will train at Ruimsig Stadium in the nearby town of Roodepoort, and travel to and from Kloofzicht Lodge to the venues of their three Group D matches.

With the final 23-man World Cup squad picked this week, the Socceroos go into the tournament with what they say is a great team camaraderie and unity of purpose forged through their two-and-a-half year Asian confederation qualifying process.

"Asia has helped fantastically. We get along in the dressing room and the atmosphere is always a happy atmosphere," midfielder Brett Holman said.

"That's important going into such a big tournament. You can see with the boys that we always help each other. If anybody's in need we always help each other."

Training is tough and uncompromising, the tackles are willing, especially in game situations.

But mixed with the hard work, there are light-hearted moments.

While juggling a ball in groups, a player who is guilty of letting the ball drop gets his ear flicked by the rest of the players.

It's a punishment dished out in fun, but it still indicates a clear goal.

Be the best you can be, train as you play, work within coach Pim Verbeek's game plan, and go as far as possible through the tournament.

All 23 Socceroos have bought in. Where it takes them on soccer's biggest stage will become clearer over the next few weeks.

"There's a purpose there," midfielder Mile Jedinak says.

"You can't do it if you're not collective, and everyone's thinking the same way.

"It's a great thing to be a part of. No one strays."

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