fantastic, what was the exact filter you got and how much?
I grew up in Devonport... hope you didn't get sea sick on that ferry 
I got the B+W 10 stop, which set us back $159, in Melbourne the few shops I took a quick look at were asking $220 or more, whereas at B&H, I think it was $125 plus shipping. As Neuro mentioned, it has a bit of a warming effect - I was initially a little less complimentary about that, referring to is as a "brown cast". That is easily corrected in Lightroom however.
Walch Optics is like a trip back in time as far as camera shops go - loads of interesting stuff - you don't really get camera shops like the any more - even Michael's in Melbourne (expensive as they are) has way to "polished and commercialised" a feel.
The ferry ride was quite uneventful, but great fun for the kids. Fortunately my sea legs are good, and you are not on the water long enough to experience any after effects when back on dry land.
The trip to Tassie gave some great photo opportunities - only 2 weeks was way too short. Also, having kids in tow made it difficult to be at interesting places when the light was good. I will have to make another trip there!