A voluntary, not-for-profit organisation for advancing geographical science and promoting public awareness and enjoyment of Geography and related topics.
Advance public awareness of, and interest in, geography and related disciplines, including environmental issues
Encourage research and scholarship in geography
Recognise and reward achievements in geography
Commemorate past achievements of significance to geography
The Society is custodian of an extensive library of antique, rare and current books and maps. Many are featured in our Treasures. Amongst its various activities the Society organises lectures on topical issues, publishes a scholarly journal, recognises contributions to geography through an active awards program, and convenes an active field activities program.
The RGSSA welcomes professional geographers, geography graduates, and all those with an enthusiasm for geography, travel and exploration to join.
Experience. Geography. Together.TM
The RGSSA Library contains over 25,000 volumes and is one of the most significant collections of rare geographical books and manuscripts in Australia.
The Society supports a number of awards and prizes to promote geographical education and research, and to recognise members’ efforts.
2 April 2026
4 January 2026
4 January 2026
1 May 2026 - 31 May 2026 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Events
An exhibition of beautiful books and pictures from our library showcasing plants, flowers, seeds, nuts, leaves and petals.
16 July 2026 | 5:00 pm
Monthly Lecture
Step into the world of exploration, science, and discovery as Professor Hamylton brings to life the remarkable stories behind some of history’s most influential maps and map makers.
29 July 2026 | 12:00 pm
Lunchtime Meeting
Exploring Geographers’ networks 1888 to 1923, with particular reference to the place of the Royal Geographical Society of South Australia in the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science’
30 July 2026 | 10:30 am
Rare Books Group
The original Peutinger Map is believed to have been commenced in Rome during the reign of Augustus as a strip map showing the Roman Empire.
20 August 2026 | 7:30 pm
Monthly Lecture
Along the continental shelf between King Island and Kangaroo Island from November to April each year, the Great Australian Coastal Upwelling System comes to life, pumping nutrients from deep water onto the shelf, nourishing swarms of krill which in turn sustain pygmy blue whales.
Image courtesy Blue whale - Wikipedia
27 August 2026 | 10:30 am
Rare Books Group
Come and learn about our library. Find out about the collections and how you can use them to explore your interests.
17 September 2026 | 5:30 pm
Monthly Lecture
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have transformed the way we create and distribute maps, offering dramatic new opportunities never previously envisaged. This lecture will review the benefits and limitations of traditional printed maps and demonstrate the basic operation of Geographic Information Systems.
24 September 2026 | 10:30 am
Rare Books Group
More information available closer to the event
15 October 2026 | 5:30 pm
Monthly Lecture
This lecture will detail the little known series of 67 Aboriginal reserves which were rather idealistically created by Governor Gawler during 1839 as a commitment to ensuring that Aboriginal people retained control over at least a portion of the ‘settled districts’.
19 November 2026 | 5:30 pm
Monthly Lecture
Andrew will entertain and inform us with his talk about travelling with camels in the outback.
Image from https://www.andrewharper.com.au
14 September 2027 | 9:00 am
Trips & Tours
Walking through the desert with pack camels offers a truly unique and transformative experience. The journey is slow and mindful, where you walk quietly across the desert, with the camels following behind, offering a steady, calming rhythm throughout the day.
4 October 2027 | 12:00 am
Trips & Tours
This will be a seven-day trip escorted by RGSSA Head of Travel Joc Schmiechen.
© The Royal Geographical Society of South Australia