SYD-CBR and v.v. were sectors where the DC-9 really shone, because the lower cruise Mach didn't matter (the sectors were flown at FL200/210) while the aircaft's strengths (rapid clean up with superb acceleration combined with the ability to keep the speed up on arrival until very close) had a proportionately greater influence.
I can't recall the times, but departing 35 at CBR to land on 07 at SYD was very quick indeed, yet the redoubtable Vince C*****s always managed a seemingly leisurely breakfast!