U2 will tour Australia in 2011, leaving its concert stage behind as a gift.

Mark Fisher, who designed the stage, inadvertently announced the band's plan to visit Australia.

Fisher has built three super-structures for U2's 360 Tour.

"My vision . . . is we will turn them into permanent concert pavilions and leave them around the world," he said.

"For example, we will finish one part of the tour in Australia and another in South America ."

Mr Fisher said U2 would donate the stages, which hold 180 tonnes of equipment.

U2's Australian tour promoter, Michael Coppel, said no local tour dates were confirmed.

But industry sources said U2 would perform in Australia in 2011.