Partick started well and scored the first goal of the game from their first attack after eight minutes.
Queens were unable to clear a corner, and Juan Ramon Escalas turned and volleyed a spectacular shot high into the far corner of the net.
This seemed to stun the visitors and they hit back. After 16 minutes a Tommy English corner was met at the far post by David Craig, but his header went over the bar.
Queens continued to search for an equaliser and their best effort came after 32 minutes when Brian McColligan's chip rebounded back off the bar with Kenny Arthur helpless in the Thistle goal.
Queens were now in the ascendancy and they eventually managed a deserved equaliser after 64 mins when good play from Brian McLaughlin allowed David McNiven to fire home from 16 yards.
As play continued a share of the points seemed the most likely outcome until deep in injury time Queens were forced to make a change. Then substitute Stephen Payne hit their winner with his first and only touch of the ball.
His 16-yard shot flew past Arthur and sent the Queens team management and fans into raptures.