Trapped ... in a van crawling with mice

I was just really shockeds and grossed out — I felt trapped in the van when they came out in the middle of the night MARI ADAMS

A YOUNG couple say they have endured a horrific experience with a mouse infested campervan they hired to tour Bruny Island.

Melbourne couple Jessi Adams and pregnant wife Mari said they hired a Wicked Campers campervan from the company’s Cambridge depot during the Dark Mofo festival, paying a $500 deposit and $350 for four nights’ use.

Mr Adams, 27, a designer and animator and Ms Adams, 26, a student teacher, had stayed in Hobart for Dark Mofo and planned to tour Bruny Island before they returned to Melbourne.

They say they suspected something on the first day of their trip when they found a packet of pretzels with a hole in it in the side car door.

On the first night at The Neck caravan park they woke up to the sounds of eating and found the bread and bin bag had signs of mice.

“All our food had holes in it,’’ Mr Adams said.

The couple said they last- ed one more night before returning the van to the depot.

Ms Adams, who is 12 weeks pregnant, said food hygiene was a concern for the couple.

She said negotiations with the company to get a refund for two nights “have been tricky”.

“The depot said they can only take money they can’t refund and it was very difficult to find out how to apply for a refund. We have submitted a claim but haven’t heard back.”

She said a worker at the depot told the couple they had been having a problem with mice.

“But he didn't even check the van when we gave it back — it was like he didn't believe us. I was just really shocked and grossed out — I felt trapped in the van when they came out in the middle of the night.”

Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the company was not accredited with the TICT.

“If they were, we’d have a process to pursue this,’’ he said. “It sounds like a dreadful experience. I hope it doesn't stop them from coming back because there’s lots of great providers in Tassie.”

Wicked Campers was unable to be contacted for comment.