A superb all-round performance from Mitchell Johnson has guided Australia to a memorable 162-run victory on day five of the first Test against South Africa.

The Queensland-born West Australian claimed 4-25 and 4-112 and his highest Test score of 96 not out to win the man-of-the-match award.

Set a world-record 454 to win at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium, South Africa were bowled out for 291 in the second over after tea.

Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against their challengers for Test cricket's No.1 ranking, with the second Test starting in Durban on Friday.

It was a sweet victory for captain Ricky Ponting, who was heavily criticised after his side lost the home series to South Africa 2-1 in January.

"Let's not get too carried away with it just yet," said Ponting, who made 83 and 25 in the match.

"We've played some excellent cricket over the last five days.

"Differently to the series in Australia, when the big moments were there it was us who stood up and did what we needed to do and won those moments."

Victorian paceman Peter Siddle was also a key figure for Australia in South Africa's second innings, finishing with 3-46 from 25 overs.

South Africa resumed on 2-178 on Monday but lost Hashim Amla (57), AB De Villiers (3) and Jacques Kallis (45) in the morning session.

Amla and Kallis looked untroubled by the old ball but Amla played a false shot in the 70th over and was caught at mid-wicket off the bowling of Siddle to make it 3-206.

Five runs later Andrew McDonald trapped first-innings century-maker De Villiers lbw. De Villiers requested a review of the decision which was unsuccessful.

Australia took the second new ball after 80 overs and with the first delivery left-armer Johnson had Kallis lbw, but the star all-rounder successfully appealed for a review of the decision by third umpire Asad Rauf. Replays showed the ball pitched outside leg stump.

Johnson got his man two overs later when Kallis played a ball onto his stumps.

Siddle broke through again an hour after lunch when JP Duminy (29) edged a short ball to Ponting at second slip as the home side fell to 6-268.

Morne Morkel (2) soon followed as Johnson claimed his third wicket of the innings before Ben Hilfenhaus broke through the defences of wicketkeeper Mark Boucher for 24.

Siddle and Johnson then removed Paul Harris (8) and Dale Steyn (6) in the first two overs after tea.

Australia had fielded their most inexperienced Test side for 20 years and debutants Phil Hughes (0 and 75), Hilfenhaus (three wickets) and Marcus North (117 and five) all made solid contributions.

AAP