A C210 is the go. High wing - no strut for good veiw. Long legs between drinks (longer than my bladder finds comfortable). Fast. Carries 700kgs. Quite good short field - all things considered.
Rockhampton to Longreach and back without refueling.
Breakfast in Rockhampton to Lunch on Lake Maquarie (Cooranbong - near Warnervale) in 4 hours. Me, missus, 2 kids a bunch of bags and a pram etc. Try that in an Arrow or 172.