Bernard Foley pulled the strings and Israel Folau scored twice for the NSW Waratahs in a record 52-41 defeat of the Queensland Reds, featuring 15 tries.
It was NSW's highest total against an Australian Super Rugby outfit and the most points scored in any Australian derby.
Saturday night's win at Suncorp Stadium propelled the Waratahs back to the top of the Australian Conference, after the Melbourne Rebels had briefly assumed top spot with their upset of the Blues earlier in the day in New Zealand.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika was in the stands as 15 Australian squad members pushed their case for a berth next Saturday against Ireland.
Teams traded tries in the first half but the Tahs shot away early in the second stanza, Folau pouncing on a risky Reds chip and chase for a 40-19 lead with 30 minutes to play.
Tries to Alex Mafi and Wallabies hopeful Caleb Timu, who provided immediate impact off the bench for Queensland, but Hamish Stewart's wayward kicking (two from seven) didn't help, and Jake Gordon's 63rd-minute try iced the Waratahs' win.
The Reds' scrum was again dominant and Wallaby Samu Kerevi did his best to set the tone defensively, coming out of the line to put two big hits on his opposite number.
However, they were unable to stop the visitors' steady flow of points, Foley kicking truly (six from seven) and threatening every time he directed play to Queensland's right flank.
Promoted to the starting side, Reds halfback Moses Sorovi was enterprising and unlucky not to cling onto an offload as the Reds eyed a first-half lead.
Instead Folau's flying effort gave NSW a 28-19 edge they managed to maintain to the finish line.
"We knew we had an advantage with Israel and his aerial ability," said NSW Head Coach Daryl Gibson, who described the high-scoring game as bewildering.
"It's become a real weapon for us."
Queensland Coach Brad Thorn spoke positively of the side's young halves pairing Sorovi and Stewart, but conceded soft tries and Folau's brilliance was the difference.
"Sometimes you've got to tip your cap and say 'you are very good'," Thorn said.