Celebrations are underway in the Red Centre with traditional song, dance and arts on display to mark 40 years since the giant rock known as Uluru was handed back to the Anungu people.

The return of ownership of Uluru and nearby Kata Tjuta, also known as Ayers Rock and The Olgas, on October 26, 1985, was a symbolic high point for Aboriginal land rights.

Then governor-general Ninian Stephen handed over the title deeds for the rock to the Anangu Traditional Owners.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyn are attending the weekend celebrations.

Thunder storms played out for hours at Uluru early on Saturday, with heavy rain soaking the rock and creating waterfalls down its sides before the sky cleared during the morning.

In a speech to be delivered in the Uluru-Kata

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