Iconic Savannahlander smashed by rock-throwing vandals

The operators of the iconic Savannahlander outback train have been left gutted after rock throwing vandals destroyed their disability-accessible train car, leaving passenger’s trips cancelled.

Operators of the Savannahlander were gutted when their accessibility carriage was pummelled with rocks smashing all its windows and leaving the interior strewn with glass. Photo: Facebook

The operators of the iconic Savannahlander outback train have been left gutted after rock throwing vandals destroyed their disability accessible train car leaving it off the tracks.

Shocking pictures show the massive extent of the damage to the train car with almost all its windows smashed, large dents from stone hits, and glass strewn throughout the cabin.

“Team back at the depot were pretty gutted when they turned up to work this morning,” driver Wil Kemp wrote on social media.

“Our accessibility unit, 2053, has been absolutely pummelled by rocks over night.

“We’re all pretty damn angry about this.

Operators of the Savannahlander were gutted when their accessibility carriage was pummelled with rocks, smashing all its windows and leaving the interior strewn with glass. Photo: Facebook

“As a small business, this impacts us a lot.”

The carriage will now be off the tracks until repairs can be carried out, taking out their only fully-accessible option.

“Not only is there a financial burden with repairs to all the windows but obviously this unit will have to be pulled out of service until those repairs are completed,” the business said.

“Meaning that any passengers with accessibility needs will have to have their upcoming trip cancelled.”

The Savannahlander is an outback train journey which begins in Cairns and rattles its way through World Heritage listed rainforests to Kuranda.

It then continues on through the agricultural areas of the Atherton Tablelands and into the Gulf Savannah region to Forsayth, allowing for tours to popular tourist sights like the Chillagoe Caves, Cobbold Gorge and the Undara Lava Tubes.

The Savannahlander is an outback train journey which begins in Cairns, Australia. It is one of the great rail experiences of the world as it rattles its way from the coast, up the scenic Kuranda Range (the Kuranda scenic railway) including stops at Barron Falls and Stoney Creek, through World Heritage listed rainforests to Kuranda. Photo: Facebook

Far North locals and travellers who have enjoyed a trip on the Savannahlander have been left outraged by the senseless damage.

“Having travelled on this magnificent train I am disgusted that this has happened I truly wonder about the mentality of these people and feel so sorry for the staff who do such a great job,” Margaret Evans said on social media.

Operators of the Savannahlander were gutted when their accessibility carriage was pommeled with rocks smashing all its windows and leaving the interior strewn with glass. Photo: Facebook

“I can’t believe that people would do this to such an iconic part of FNQ tourism. I’m disappointed and feel for the crew and the efforts they put into this business,” Peter Scharf wrote.

Elizabeth Doyle said the attack was “heartbreaking”.

“Can’t believe that this is done to such a great train to any train or business. Hope karma catches up with those who did this.

“Just so heartbreaking.”

Police are investigating.

Originally published as Iconic Savannahlander smashed by rock-throwing vandals