Hi kenb

You could come across to Gloucester (Bucketts Way about the worst in NSW) then travel up Thunderbolts Way to Walcha and then across to the New England Hwy at Bendemeer and down to Tamworth, about 4 hours, but the Thunderbolts Way is very very steep in places and you must go through to Walcha. Don't attempt to take the short cut through Dungowan, very steep, very narrow and not suitable for vans or trucks.

The best and most comfortable is the way Radar suggested, dual lane just about all the way to Singleton. All up about 5hrs.

Safe travels
Hendo

Have towed my van over Port Stevens Cutting through Dungowan several times with no great worries if time taken, Rod

If you use the direct route there is one of the steepest climbs you will encounter up onto the tablelands north of Gloucester.

Regarding Port Stephens Gap on the descent to Lochiel (known as Nowendock Rd,) it is not overly steep but it is narrow. There are two calling points either way. You need a UHF CB on CH40, call at each to check if there is a truck or two coming towards you. If there is then wait for it (them) to pass you and call again. The truckies are very accommodating if you work with them.

We have been on most of those roads both with and without the van. These days we prefer the better roads and the time taken is not much different from the shorter route. So we head down the New England to Hexham and up the M1. So much easier then worrying about other traffic and tight corners steep hills etc.

Cheapest fuel always seems to be the independent servo just off the highway at Heatherbrae take the masonite road to the west.

Frank