Drought-affected western Queensland has been given a small reprieve with heavy rain falling on some properties in the region overnight.
Falls varied greatly — between 12mm and 118mm — with towns including Longreach, Barcaldine and Augathella recording decent totals.
Caitie Bucknell, who grazes cattle at Mount Owen Station, north of Mitchell, was surprised to get an afternoon storm that unleashed golf ball-sized hail and 118mm of rain.
"Once it started hailing we thought we might be in for something," Ms Bucknell said.
"It's been a long time since we've seen a storm like that … it hasn't sunk in how much rain we've had."
Excited with the unexpected downpour, Ms Bucknell and her visiting friends made the most of the rain.
"We actually went and sat out on the road and had some beers," she said.
"I don't know if that's what everyone does, but it doesn't rain often enough so we thought we may as well."
Best rain in years
Further north-west, near Augathella, grazier Geoffrey Swanson had his third biggest fall in as many years.
"We were totally surprised by it," Mr Swanson said.
"We ended up with 56mm … it was beautiful."
With the recent rain around the west, Mr Swanson says he is feeling more confident about the La Nina declaration announced by the Bureau of Meteorology.
"We hear forecasts and we hear climate outlooks and then it doesn't rain and we think they've got it wrong," he said.
"I am hopeful … and I hope we have a really green Christmas across the west."
Graziers around Barcaldine are also feeling more hopeful of a wetter wet season.
Darryl Kelly, who with wife Leanne owns Barcaldine Welding Works and the cattle and sheep property Darrlee Downs, says yesterday's 76mm fall is the best rain he's seen in six years.
"Hopefully this is the start of the turn-around," he said.
He said the drenching had buoyed spirits around town.
"We've had a few customers in this morning and it's certainly brightened up their outlook," he said.
"I think everyone will welcome it, that's for sure."
