The Dalai Lama says more needs to be done to protect local Aboriginal culture after meeting with traditional owners at Uluru in Central Australia.

On his first visit to Uluru, the 79-year-old met with traditional owners at a sacred waterhole, where he spoke of the need for respect for the traditional cultures of the area.

"They are [the] local people right from the beginning, so their culture — it is very important to keep their cultural heritage," he said.

He emerged from his meeting hand-in-hand with two local Anangu women and told of one woman he met who could speak 80 traditional languages.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said he was astounded by the complexity of the local culture and told those in attendance they could preserve precious Aboriginal custom and traditional knowledge by adapting modern technology.

"The important part is, in different parts of the world, indigenous people, local people, they have their own cultural heritage, so that's the main reason [I am here]: in order to express my respect to your (Australian indigenous) culture," he said.

The Dalai Lama encouraged local Aboriginal people to maintain traditional names.

"It is important to keep their own traditional name — modern education, modern dress, but they would keep their traditional name," he said.

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 spiritual leader also spoke of his scientific fascination with Uluru.

"Monks, we always stress the importance of investigation, so therefore I am very, very keen to see future discussion from scientists about these rocks, the basis of the material."

Later, hundreds gathered on a local football oval to hear the Dalai Lama talk about the Tibetan pursuit of happiness.

The Dalai Lama will finish his 10-day Australian tour with a stop in Perth on Monday.