I was hoping to inspect my timing belt to see how it is wearing (the car has just gone past 100,000km and I want to ensure it's in good enough condition to last another <1000km), and so attempted to pull off the covers.

I've managed to get the front cover off with no problems, but I can't seem to get the rear cover off.
Is it possible without pulling the Power Steering pump belt tensioner?

Or is it just a pain in the arse..

Just inspect the belt through the front cover. Replacing the belt requires removal of a lot of things, including the pump and tensioner.

Use a torch and look at the belt with the engine running. Frayed bits will flap about and be obvious. Alternatively, if you want to inspect the belt teeth and look for cracks in the belt, turn it over by hand. A bright light is helpful, even in the daylight.

i don't think your going to have a problem if it just past 100 000km's lol.. they don't just fall apart suddenly... i would be a little concerned if it went to 150 km's without changing it...

Yeah...
Actually, I managed to get the rear cover off..
Unfortunately, I put a small crack in the plastic in doing so when trying to 'bend' it out of it's spot, and while the damage is very minimal, I'm pretty certain you can't get it off without either the damage I did (to the plastic cover), or removing the stuff in it's way.

The belt looks to be in very good condition, so I'm a little more relaxed about it as the budget is a little tight at the moment to go spending up big replacing things like that.

theres a another 10mm bolt down by the powersteering pulley, you can get it without the pulley off, just a tight fit!! :)

yeah, i was gonna say, its easier to take the bottom one of first but then you have to remove the sump gaurd etc...

It is impossible to tell the condition of a timing belt by looking at it

It is not the rubber that generally lets go, it is the kevlar internally which holds it all together and when that goes it all falls apart pretty much on the spot

I have seen belts go well over 170k's but this is not recommended in any way shape or form