Education & Awareness

C4 Environment Centre

55A Porter Promenade
Mission Beach QLD 4852
Open MondayFriday
9.30am – 2pm

The Environment Centre

The C4 Environment Centre in Mission Beach is an education hub where locals and visitors alike can explore engaging displays and educational resources about the unique flora and fauna of the Wet Tropics. Stop by to chat with us about the region, support our conservation efforts by purchasing books and C4 merchandise or sign up to be a volunteer conservationist.

The C4 Native Plant Nursery

55A Porter Promenade
Mission Beach QLD 4852
Open Tuesdays and Fridays
9:30am – 2pm

The Native Plant Nursery & Explorer

At the C4 Native Plant Nursery, we specialise in plants native to the Mission Beach area, offering a unique alternative to traditional nurseries. Instead of Roses and Rhododendrons, you’ll discover an array of local species like Ooray, Boodyarra, and Golden Penda, among many others. With over 200 varieties, our nursery is dedicated to preserving and enhancing local biodiversity, ensuring that native flora—and the wildlife it supports, such as cassowaries—continues to thrive.

All our plants are carefully propagated from seed by our passionate team, committed to nurturing the ecosystems that make this region special. Run by our dedicated C4 volunteers, we’re open for visits on Tuesdays and Fridays. Whether you’re looking to buy native plants, have a chat about local species, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through our greenery, we welcome you to experience the beauty of Mission Beach’s natural environment.

Norm Byrnes Arboretum

Ross Overton Park (next to C4)
Mission Beach QLD 4852
Open everyday
9am – 5pm

The Norm Byrnes Arboretum

Next door you’ll find the Norm Byrnes Arboretum — established to honour Norm Byrnes, a founding member of C4 and a passionate advocate for native plant conservation. This living collection of trees, featuring species that are vital to the cassowary and the Wet Tropics ecosystem, serves as a lasting tribute to Norm’s dedication to preserving our natural environment. Visitors are welcome to explore the arboretum and discover the rich biodiversity it protects.

Biodiversity and Conservation Education Programs


C4 offers unique opportunities for schools and community groups to engage in hands-on conservation efforts and environmental education. 

The Education Programs are run in Mission Beach and attract students from Australia and around the world to our unique ecosystems on the Cassowary Coast. Through hands-on learning experiences, C4 engages students in discussions about biodiversity, conservation, wildlife and the vital role of protecting habitats for species like the endangered cassowary. By partnering with schools, C4 fosters environmental stewardship in young people, empowering the next generation to actively participate in preserving their natural surroundings.

We welcome schools and community groups to reach out for tailored opportunities that start conversations, inspire action and make a lasting impact on the environment. 

Environmental Advocacy

We welcome governments, developers, and organisations to connect with us for insights on our environment and to engage us early in development discussions. With a strong history of collaboration, we work to ensure that Mission Beach’s natural environment is protected and preserved for future generations.

Groups we are members of: Cassowary Recovery Team (CRT) ↗, Wet Tropics Restoration Alliance ↗, Mahogany Glider Recovery Team ↗, Natural Assets Management Advisory Committee (NAMAC)↗ and Natural Environment Management.