Dalai Lama to visit Uluru for first time

The Dalai Lama is looking forward to paying his respect to the traditional owners at Uluru when he finally gets a chance to visit the ancient landmark.

The Dalai Lama arrives in Sydney, Thursday, June 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) Source: AP

The Dalai Lama is preparing to visit Uluru for the first time on his latest tour of Australia.

The spiritual leader has been to Australia nine times but has never been able to visit the ancient landmark and offer his respect to the traditional owners.

He will finally get his chance on Saturday, and will be greeted at the base of Uluru by the traditional owners.

He will also be taken on a walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole and sit down with park rangers under a traditional shelter.

"When I was in Australia last time, I saw Uluru from above, from the air and I felt strongly to visit the people who have always lived in this important place," the Dalai Lama said in a statement.

Later, the Dalai Lama will return to Ayers Rock Resort to deliver a talk to locals and visitors - part of his 12-day speaking tour, which has included public talks in the NSW Blue Mountains and Brisbane.