Road Conditions

Oxley Highway without a doubt. I went down it towing our 2.2T Hybrid van a fortnight ago, road surface is very good. A couple of 1 way sections with traffic lights following last years land slips. The road is closed during business hours on 2-3 days per week to allow the land slip repairs, just check NSW Live Traffic to get those days or call Walcha Council. But it's open after hours I understand.
Nothing wrong with Thunderbolts Way, it is less windy, however there is one very steep section and longer whereas Oxley Highway from Port is far gentler (but more windy)
IF you do go Thunderbolts Way, don't "follow Google" the shorter way down Pt Stephens cutting unless you have a UHF/two way to check for on coming traffic. There are blind, unregulated, narrow one way sections. It's perfectly doable, rigid stock trucks & school buses do it regularly, but they use UHFs.
If you haven't done it before, stop off at Apsley Falls.

G/Day Rickb, I would go straight down the New England to Beresfield, then up to Port Macquarie,on the M1. All smooth HWY, Why give yourself stress travelling on crap roads Towing?

Cheers Axle.