We lived in Tamworth and when we would head back to our folks place in Casino and Evans Head.
We tried all possible routes.
Tamworth, Armidale, Ebor, Grafton was the quickest and the road isn't to bad.
As for Grafton north I'm not 100%.
I would probably head Casino, Lismore, Ballina. Just so I don't have to drive the Grafton to Ballina part of the Pacific Hwy.