The Jillaroos have won a fourth consecutive World Cup, bringing their head-to-head record against New Zealand's Ferns to 17-16.
After two decades of defeats to the Ferns, Australia's decade of dominance has nearly levelled the tally.
The Kiwi Ferns lost 34-10 in Brisbane on Sunday, four years after a New Zealand club-based side went down 54-4 in the England Cup final.
Australia scored six first-half tries, while New Zealand managed the second half's only try.
Captain Georgia Hale was frustrated by the start but said her team could have performed better.
"That team we had out there has enough ammo, threat, physically and fitness to be better than what we put out there today," Hale said.
She said the team's development included a shift from Auckland's domestic competition into the NRLW, with a pathway from New Zealand.
"We were still picking players from the local domestic comp in Auckland, and now we're spread across the NRLW and have a pathway out of NZ, with the Warriors returning (to the NRLW)," Hale said.
The Warriors, an NRLW foundation club, disbanded during COVID-19 and returned to the competition last year.
Hale said the team had changed substantially in four years, but struggled when pressure came in the final.
Coach Ricky Henry said he was not worried the gap was growing.
"More are playing NRLW, professionals are making the switch from rugby," he said.
Henry said he expected the Ferns to improve each year and hoped they could find a way to beat Australia.