Quickest way to Brisbane from Hunter Valley

[nomadTech87]

looks like I'm a few months too late but anyway on the off chance anyone else ever needs : I have to drive both new england and pacific regularly for work. I'd avoid the Pacific at all costs if possible as it is one of the most dangerous roads in Australia. (400 deaths since 1995) and with the roadworks still ongoing it's a much slower drive. Last time I took a trainee up to Grafton on the Pacific we passed 2 separate truck accidents and an overturned caravan