WHATS NEW ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

UnderWater World

Go behind the scenes at UnderWater World

Ever wondered what it is that marine experts get up to every day? Now is your chance as UnderWater World gives visitors the rare opportunity for a sneak peek behind the scenes with marine experts. Learn about caring for and feeding marine creatures and how they keep their tanks and marine environments top notch while seeing the food preparation room, rescue and rehabilitation, holding tanks and release zones. On some days, you may even get to see the divers feed the animals - giving real meaning to a "feeding frenzy"! www.underwaterworld.com.au

Explore the Noosa Biosphere Reserve

Get closer to nature on a cruise through Queensland's first UNESCO biosphere with Noosa Ferry Cruise Company. The Noosa Biosphere Reserve encompasses 150,000 hectares of protected ecosystems on land and off shore. Keep your eyes peeled for protected species like the Ground Parrot, Southern Emu Wren, Glossy Black Cockatoo and the Cooloola Tree Frog. Halfway through the cruise the captain will drop anchor and stop for a complimentary morning tea before returning passengers to shore in time for lunch. www.noosabiosphere.com.au

Helicopter joy flights for adrenalin thrills

Heli Tours Coolum Beach

Visitors to the Sunshine Coast can now fly over its pristine beaches with Heli Tours Coolum Beach's range of helicopter flights. Daily tours take in views from Moreton Island to Fraser Island from 50 kilometres above sea level and can be customised to suit passenger's timeframes. Adrenalin junkies can get their fix during a heart-pumping 'doors off' experience with nothing between the seat and the ground below. And new heli-fishing and heli-wake boarding tours offer guests an extreme sports experience with a twist. www.helitourscoolum.com.au

A new slice of Paris-dise in Noosa

The Mantra Resort Group has added another jewel to its Sunshine Coast crown, officially launching Mantra French Quarter on Hastings Street. Mantra French Quarter has undergone a $AUD5 million refurbishment and rebranding, transforming it from the former BreakFree French Quarter, including a new-look reception and lobby and complete room upgrades. The resort's one and two bedroom apartments have been fitted out with brand-new kitchens, flat screen televisions, new furniture and fittings. Situated centrally in the shopping mecca of Hastings Street, the resort offers easy access to beaches, boutiques and restaurants, as well as the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival. www.mantra.com.au

Samba Grill, Noosaville

A taste of Brazil has arrived on the Sunshine Coast with churrasco restaurant Samba Grill opening in Noosaville. Brazilian specialities are highlighted in the breakfast and lunch menus, and in a first for the region, 'Rodizio' style service in the evening and Sunday lunch will be offered for a fixed, all-you-can-eat price. www.facebook.com/sambagrillnoosaville

Follow the rainbow to Mantra Rainbow Shores

Mantra Rainbow Shores

Family-friendly hotel group Mantra has arrived in Rainbow Beach with 10 new premium lodges joining the established BreakFree Rainbow Shores precinct and 26 more to be built in the coming year. Guests will share the restaurant, bar and golf course with the neighbouring resort, but enjoy the addition of an exclusive 25-metre lap pool, exercise room, outdoor spa and private beach access. Nestled in natural bushland at Rainbow Beach, the resort offers easy access to Fraser Island and the Teewah Coloured Sands, about two hours north of the Sunshine Coast. www.mantra.com.au