A sacred site and a popular Australian destination has at last been ticked off the Dalai Lama’s bucket list.

On his first visit to Uluru on Saturday, the Dalai Lama, 79, met with Uluru’s traditional owners at a sacred waterhole where he spoke of the need for respect for the traditional cultures of the area.

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Tibet’s spiritual leader told those in attendance they could preserve precious Aboriginal custom and traditional knowledge by adapting modern technology.

That message has gained the attention of local traditional owners, who said the Dalai Lama’s support could help improve the wellbeing of their people.

The visit included an address at the local football oval about the pursuit of happiness.

The Dalai Lama will finish his Australian tour with a stop in Perth on Monday.