(CNN) -- Endless stretches of beautiful white beaches, crystal clear water and stunning marine life: the west coast of Australia is an adventurer's playground. The often uncharted shores of the island continent offer travelers a unique mix of thrills and indulgence.





This week the professional sailing world will turn its attention to West Australia's largest city, Perth, for one of the biggest events on the sport's calendar. The International Sailing Federation World Championships will be held in the coastal city. Twelve hundred athletes from 79 nations will take part in Perth 2011, the principle qualifier for the London 2012 Olympics.





While those boats hit the water to battle it out for gold, most people prefer to take a more leisurely approach to one of the most rugged and striking coastlines in the world.





"The great thing about this coast is that the nature is still very much in charge," says John Longley, Perth 2011 event director and former America's Cup competitor.





Despite the region being littered with protected inlets and charming swimming spots, some areas are not for the faint-hearted. "It's wild country," says Longley. "But the awards for the adventurous are plentiful."





Travelers who dare to explore can feel completely isolated from the rest of the world. It's a massive area with very few inhabitants. The state of Western Australia averages less than one person per square kilometer (0.4 square miles). "You can quite easily find yourself sailing up to a bay and finding no one else around," says Lonely Planet writer Peter Dragicevich.





The Swan River





The centerpiece of Perth, the Swan River is a perfect place to take in the city. At over one mile wide in parts and with several bays, finding a spot to drop anchor is not hard.





Thanks to a thriving mining industry, Western Australia has flourished despite the current economic climate. Perth has been a big benefactor of the boom and the vibrancy of the city is not lost on visitors.





"Good restaurants in Perth are right up there with anywhere in the world," says Dragicevich. "Everywhere people are pretty laidback and very welcoming of travelers."





Fremantle





Following the river, just south of Perth is Fremantle. This city is Western Australia's maritime home. "If you're a keen sailing buff, it's a must see," says Dragicevich.





Located along the water is the striking Western Australian Museum building which has a strong maritime flavor. The museum encompasses the Shipwreck Galleries which claims to be the leading maritime archeology museum in the southern hemisphere. "WA has a history of shipwrecks and it does make for an interesting visit for the boatie," says Dragicevich.





Voyage to bottom of the sea for Sir Francis Drake's remains





For travelers exploring the area by boat, Longley says Fremantle is the perfect pit stop for maintenance. "The Fremantle Sailing Club is very well set up to receive cruising yachts."





Not too far west of Fremantle is Rottnest Island with plenty of bays to drop anchor in. With no cars allowed and beautiful inland waters, this island is perfect for a relaxing getaway.





Margaret River





The Margaret River region in the state's south west is known for its world-class locally grown food and wine. But the area shouldn't be dismissed as one just for the wine lovers.





Beautiful national parks border beaches with powdery sand and the world famous surf breaks make it ideal for those handy on a surf board. "Some of the breaks have got names like 'suicide'," explains Dragicevich. "Those ones are not for beginners."





But right on the doorstep of the Margaret River is Geographe Bay with more family-friendly beaches ideal for swimming. Longley says sailors can find a well-established marina in the small city of Bunbury, located in the bay.





Cape Naturaliste to Albany





The west coast of Australia is known as the "humpback highway" with tens of thousands of humpback whales passing on their annual migration to and from the Antarctic. There are many opportunities to see marine wildlife in its natural habitat
who is the principle qualifier where can the travelers go? where it will be held on ISAF World Championship where is the isaf wordl championships what is a must for travelers where will be held?
Twelve hundred athletes from 79 nations the west coast of Australia Perth, Perth, Fremantle. Perth,
question: who is the principle qualifier, answer: Twelve hundred athletes from 79 nations | question: where can the travelers go?, answer: the west coast of Australia | question: where it will be held on ISAF World Championship, answer: Perth, | question: where is the isaf wordl championships, answer: Perth, | question: what is a must for travelers, answer: Fremantle. | question: where will be held?, answer: Perth,