Hey man, I love chasing kingies as well. I usually combine Live baiting and lure fishing, its very doable. You should try and spin Garfish. I have caught many kingies spinning gars. If you buy quality hooks and swivels, your gang hooks should land most fish. Live baiting is usually better( at least for me) but you have to put the hours. If there is no bait at one spot I usually try a second spot. there are a few consistent spots around Sydney to catch bait. I also use poppers, stick bait, metal lures. I really enjoy how graphic using poppers can be. I have not broken the meter mark using poppers yet but I hope I do it this season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69qtNPbb-70
The above link shows you a way to rig and present your gars, at 12:40 Alex demonstrate how to do it. I hope this helps.