Thanks for all the warning guys. There are two reasons why I need/want to do it myself. The first being my wife actually use the car to drop/get the kids, so I can't take it away from her -- and the second is knowing it's torn I'm not confident enough to drive it to Coburg North as offered (Thanks Drew, I live in Chelsea).
I am planning to follow the service manual. Looks straight-forward but I'll keep you updated. May even come up with a diy article if successful :D
As advised I went to Repco to get the boot but they did not have any Civic ones, only a 'universal' type which I needed to cut and it's $30. Not convinced, I went to Burson and got the correct one for $15. It looks the business compared to the Repco one, and even use metal straps.
One further question though, how does one unfasten the spindle nut without making the wheel turn ?

