I know what you mean about the 'doing your head in' feeling, it can all be a bit overwhelming when you start out... Good way to overcome this is to watch someone else brew, makes it so much easier being able to see it done, then go back and read and itll all make alot more sense...You should try to get out to Mikes to check out a brew, even if its not for you, it will be an invaluble learning experiance :o)
again, just the standard stuff (again, basing off JackoNZ's gear).
40L pot
thermometer (got yesterday)
chilli bin to make a mash tun (hard to get in winter. apparently they're a summer item)
gas bottle + regulator
gas burner (spied one from bunnings)
some sort of hand pump
thats whats in my mind atm.
and i'm sure i've missed something. :-)