FUKUOKA, Japan Australian swimming has entered a golden era after its Ian Thorpe-led success at the World Swimming Championships.

Thorpe, the sport's undisputed superstar, said he felt it was just the beginning for a young and eager Australian team.

"There's been many a medal that was far from expected by this team and we've been able to shock a few people and send a few waves," he said.

"I think this is just the starting point for this team. This is a very young team and we are moving forward.

Australian Head Coach Don Talbot, in charge on and off since 1962, summed up his team's efforts: "I really believe we're in the era of our best swimming.

"It's been a long term goal to be No. 1. America has been up there a long time and it's now our time."

Forty gold medals were decided over the eight days of pool action and Australia came out on top.

Their performance was a big improvement on their last championship effort and was enough to topple the United States from their pedestal.

Australia finished with 13 golds, compared with seven in Perth three years ago. Their success was at the direct expense of the U.S. who took 14 gold in Perth but only managed nine in Fukuoka.

Germany were a distant third with three.

"We've just had an incredible time," said Thorpe. "So much has happened that we couldn't of dreamed of. I think the key thing is with really enjoyed ourselves, perhaps more than ever before."

Much of the success was down to Thorpe who took three individual titles and helped his relay team to three more.

Eight world records fell -- three to Thorpe in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle, AFP said.

Perhaps the greatest was Grant Hackett's annihilation of Kieren Perkins' seven-year-old 1,500m time. The 21-year-old produced one history's most memorable performances, slicing almost seven seconds of the mark many felt would never be bettered.

Australian Geoff Huegill broke his 50m butterfly mark while Roman Sloudnov of Russia bettered his record in the 100m breaststroke and is the only man ever to swim below one minute.

Rising American star Michael Phelps reinforced his growing reputation in the 200m butterfly, smashing the world record he set earlier this year.

And in one of the races of the championships Australia fended off an American charge to set a new world record in the 4x200m freestyle relay.

The relay was a key part of the United States' downfall. Previously dominant, they failed to win one in Fukuoka. Australia took four.