THE funeral for tourism pioneer Charles Woodward will be held next Friday June 2.

Woodward, the founder of the Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas, passed away last week after a long battle with cancer.

The news sent shockwaves through Tropical North Queensland and the celebration of his extraordinary life is set to draw hundreds.

The public funeral will begin at 3.30pm for a 4pm start at Rainforest Nature Park, Kuranda.

“All those who knew him and wish to pay their respects are welcome to join to say farewell,” the family said in a statement.

Woodward was a champion for health advocacy, creating COUCH (Committee for Oncology Unit) at the Cairns Hospital and playing a leading role in establishment of the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre.

“In lieu of flowers, donations to COUCH would be appreciated,” the statement said.

“The family has received so many messages and flowers of support and they would like to express their gratitude at this time.

“Please accept this as their personal thanks.”

There will be extremely limited car parking at Rainforestation Nature Park.

Coaches will be operating from the below locations:
- Reef Hotel Casino (Wharf St)
- Cairns North Community Centre (Sheridan St Bus Stop)
- Pease Street IGA
- Smithfield Bus Stop (Kennedy Highway)