'I spent 48 hours in The Outback. This is why you should too.'

It's not often that you find yourself doing the Nutbush in the middle of the Outback, dancing with people who were strangers a mere three hours earlier. With rain pouring down, stars hidden behind a blanket of clouds, and the band belting out Tina Turner’s unofficial Australian national anthem — it's far from what you expect.

Because, let's be real: when you think of a holiday, your mind probably wanders to pristine beaches, bustling cities, or maybe even snow-capped mountains. But what if I told you that the experience you're truly craving is right in the middle of Australia? In the Outback, the most magical experiences can happen. It’s a place that really gets under your skin.

Welcome to Alice Springs, the beating heart of the Red Centre. Here, the sky stretches endlessly, the earth glows red, and the culture is as rich as the soil. Towering rock formations make you feel so insignificant that you feel significant.

It's a place I found myself recently, celebrating The Ghan's 95th birthday. For nearly a century, this famous train journey has been transporting people from Darwin to Adelaide, with Alice Springs an important stop on the route. So whether you're travelling by train, flying into the conveniently located airport, or on an Outback road trip, here's a 48-hour itinerary that will challenge your perceptions, expand your horizons, and leave you wondering why you didn’t visit sooner.

What to do in Alice Springs.

Walk through Standley Chasm.

Around 40km out of Alice Springs town centre, and part of the famed Larapinta Trail, is Standley Chasm. This isn't just any rock formation — it's a slice of geological history. As you walk through the narrow passage, the towering red walls on either side seem to glow, especially around midday when the sun hits just right.

While midday offers the best light show, I recommend going slightly earlier to have the whole space to yourself. While in the Chasm, take the time to look up at the towering rocks, breathe, take it all in, and marvel. You can visit Standley Chasm via a tour or drive there yourself.

Standley Chasm. Image: Supplied.

Visit the art galleries.

Considered the birthplace of contemporary Aboriginal art, Mparntwe (Alice Springs) has a vibrant art scene. So much so that the NT government is currently working on building the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia here.

Start at Yubu Napa, where contemporary Aboriginal art takes centre stage, and owner Ric is one of the best guides you could have. Here, you'll gain an even deeper appreciation for the skills and techniques as you not only see the work but also watch the artists themselves creating it. The kaleidoscope of colours and intricate designs will mesmerise you.

Then head over to Tjanpi Desert Weavers, where traditional grass-weaving techniques meet modern creativity.

An artist-in-residence at Yubu Napa (left) and work on display at Tjanpi Desert Weavers (right). Image: Supplied.

Simpson's Gap Watercolour Paint Tour.

This tour, run by the divine Anna Dakin, offers a completely different way to explore Simpson's Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges. You'll sit in the natural amphitheatre and learn the basics of watercolour painting by capturing the scenery that surrounds you. The tour provides all necessary art materials, and even complete beginners like myself are welcome.

While you paint, you’ll also learn about the local flora, fauna, and the geological and cultural significance of the area. If you're lucky, you might even get a visit from a black-footed rock wallaby, which is native to the area. When you're finished, you'll have a unique, self-made souvenir to take home. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your Alice Springs accommodation.

Pretty impressive place to learn how to paint. Image: Supplied.

Telegraph Station.

Established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, this preserved Telegraph Station offers a glimpse into Australia's pioneering past. As you wander through the original stone buildings, you'll discover the challenges faced by early settlers and the crucial role the station played in connecting the vast Australian continent.

The station's grounds, with shady lawns and stunning views of the MacDonnell Ranges, are also where I found myself dancing the Nutbush. Guests on The Ghan, when they stop in Alice Springs for the night, have dinner under the stars at this location. Tables are laid out on the lawn, where guests enjoy a three-course meal complete with a live band, a stargazing show, and even camel rides. One of my favourite parts was the open fire for marshmallow roasting between sessions on the dance floor.

Note: This experience is only available to The Ghan guests.

Dinner under the stars at the Telegraph Station was a trip highlight. Image: Supplied. 

Watch: Tips from savvy travellers. Post continues after video.

Where to eat in Alice Springs.

Hanuman.

If you only have time for one meal out, make it at Hanuman. This local institution, helmed by renowned chef Jimmy Shu, serves exceptional Asian cuisine that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. We had the banquet, so we got to try a little bit of everything on the menu. From Thai-inspired dishes to Indian delights, every plate is a work of art.

Pro tip: The signature baked oysters are a must-try, even if you're not usually an oyster fan.

Where to stay in Alice Springs.

DoubleTree by Hilton

We stayed at the DoubleTree, where an infamous warm DoubleTree cookie greets you on arrival (trust me, that alone is worth the trip). My room was the King Deluxe, which had a little lounge area and a verandah that looked out over the golf course and mountains. A buffet breakfast greets you every morning, and Hanuman restaurant is also conveniently located there, so you don't have to travel far for good food.

While my visit was in winter, I didn't use the outdoor pool, but I can imagine it would be a godsend after a day in the sun. There are also laundry facilities, which — given the colour of the dirt — is very, very useful.

Discovery Parks — Alice Springs

If you're after a budget-friendly option but still want all the creature comforts, the Discovery Parks campground is an excellent option.

They have everything from powered sites to two-bedroom deluxe cabins and there's a pool with a slide, bouncing pillows and activity room to keep the kids entertained.

What to pack for Alice Springs.

Now, let's talk practicalities. Packing for Alice Springs isn't like packing for your average holiday. Here's what you need:

What to know about travelling to Alice Springs.

If you've been following the news, you might have some concerns about safety in Alice Springs. But before you change your plans, let's put things into perspective. Tony Quarmby of Northern Territory Tourism offers some reassuring insights:

"Nowhere in the world is exempt from safety issues, and regional Australia is no exception," Tony explained. "In fact, incidents involving visitors in Alice Springs are extremely rare compared to many locations across Australia." He advises travellers to take the same reasonable safety precautions they would in any other destination.

Addressing concerns about recent media coverage, Tony noted, "The coverage in media recently regarding local issues in Alice Springs has affected visitor perceptions of safety when travelling to Central Australia, not the reality." He emphasised that the reported incidents "rarely, if at all, [have] affected visitors" and are often "sensationalised".

As with any travel, stay aware of your surroundings, take commonsense precautions, and focus on the incredible experiences that await you in the heart of the Outback.

Eliza travelled to Alice Springs as a guest of Journey Beyond. All opinions in this story are her own.

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Feature Image: Supplied.