The Queensland Reds are savouring a famous win after shattering the Brumbies' aura of invincibility with a thrilling last-gasp 40-38 Super Rugby AU triumph over the defending champions in Canberra.

A spectacular try a minute from fulltime to Wallabies centre Jordan Petaia snatched a Reds victory from the jaws of defeat in a point-a-minute classic on Saturday night.

Winners of 18 of their previous 19 games in the national capital, the Brumbies looked to be cruising again after racing to a 17-0 lead inside quarter of an hour.

But, led by destructive front-rower Taniela Tupou, the Reds reeled in the Brumbies with seconds to spare to complete the Houdini act.

Back-rower Harry Wilson, one of Queensland's' many heroes, paid tribute to the calm assurance of skipper James O'Connor after the Reds avenged their 2020 grand final loss and became the only unbeaten side in 2021.

"We wanted a bit of redemption and we got it," Wilson said.

"I guess with about 30 to go we were down by about 15 and pretty frantic and he (O'Connor) kept on telling us there's a lot of footy to be played.

'Even with five minutes to go and we were down by eight, he was saying: 'There's a lot of footy to be played, just back ourselves'. It's nice having our senior playmaker say that and giving us confidence there.

"Obviously we haven't won down here in a long time so it's pretty awesome and I'm sure we'll have a few beers tonight."

Tupou almost single-handedly dragged the Reds back into the contest, helping to force a succession of second-half scrum penalties then scoring a powerhouse try.

Wilson gave the Reds a glimmer of hope with Queensland's third try to reduce the deficit to five points.

But a 72nd-minute try to replacement Brumbies winger Issak Fines, after a lovely last pass from Pete Samu, appeared to have snuffed out the Reds' comeback.

Then Petaia remarkably palmed off a goal upright and beat two Brumbies players to pounce on Hunter Paisami's probing grubber kick and level the scores, allowing O'Connor to convert from in front for victory.

Prized recruit Suliasi Vunivalu had a mixed starting debut for the Reds.

The former NRL star baggeed his maiden Super Rugby AU try while also saving the Reds from conceding a five-pointer with his blinding speed.

But he also spilt a bomb when looking shaky under the high ball, then came off his wing, allowing the Brumbies to cross out wide for their third try late in the first half.

Four of the Brumbies' five five-pointers came from forwards, doubles from seagulling No.8 Samu and driving-maul try-king Folau Faingaa seemingly set to send Dan McKellar's men nine points clear of their challengers on the ladder.

But the Reds had the final say after throwing everything at the Brumbies in pursuit of a first win in the national capital in seven years.

Vunivalu's try on the half hour, from a sniping run from halfback Tate McDermott, O'Connor's straight running and Wilson's quick hands, ignited Queensland's fightback.

But the finish to the match was extra special.