U.S. talk show host Oprah Winfrey on Thursday described Uluru of Australia as "awesome".

Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Winfrey visited the sacred site on Thursday afternoon, as part her Australian tour and will have dinner with traditional owners later tonight.

She said a phone call from the best-selling singer, Paul Simon led her to cancel a trip to Hamilton Island of Queensland, in favor of visiting the world-famous rock in the central Australian desert.

After viewing the rock, she addressed a media pack that had gathered at the site.

"Me being here is a way of paying respects to the Aboriginal people and showing respect for the land and their culture and all that this rock means to them and the continent and to the world," Winfrey told ABC News. "I think the word awesome applies... it strikes awe in your soul when you see it."

She said she will definitely visit the rock again.

Winfrey will then fly to Melbourne, Victoria on Friday, where she will make her only public appearance at Federation Square.

Winfrey touched down in Queensland on Wednesday, marking the start of her Ultimate Australian Adventure.

Two episodes of the Oprah show will be filmed at the Sydney Opera House next week, with about 12,000 Australians expected to watch the filming live.

A third episode will feature her 300 guests' travel experiences as they head to every state and territory in Australia.