STeveo,
Further to what Skip said, Warwick to Esk via Clifton is a wild road, its 147Ks and Google maps says it'll take 2hr 10 minutes. Warwick to Esk via Willowbank, Walloon and Blacksoil is 178Ks and Google says 2hrs 16 minutes! 30Ks extra for 6 minutes more, this will give you an idea of what the Clifton road is like, I know I did it a few weeks ago!!! not a road to be doing at the end of a long haul!. Your choice but I'd think seriously about it if I were you!
Diesel and entourage are expecting to hit Esk at about 11:00, and I'll be going up to Esk via Willowbank to be there for then, so if you want to meet up we can. Drop me a PM if you'd like.