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.
23 April 2026 | 10:30 am
Rare Books Group
Come to hear 3 stories in one - First the story of courage, duress and death of 2 explorers in 1896! Secondly hear about an amazing journey 100 years later. Thirdly in 2024 the RELICS team come to life!
2 May 2026 | 8:00 am
Trips & Tours
Steam on Steam and the Murray Mouth including Cockle train and Oscar W
21 May 2026 | 5:30 pm
Monthly Lecture
Professor Fletcher will challenge assumptions about concepts such as Terra Nullius, 'pristine nature' and 'wilderness' which overlook and undermine Aboriginal influence on landscapes as negligible or destructive. Instead, Michael seeks to 'not only reintroduce cultural fire, but transform the intellectual foundations of environmental science itself.
18 June 2026 | 5:30 pm
Monthly Lecture
Caves, sinkholes and volcanoes: the beauty and problems of the UNESCO Kanawinka Geopark
25 June 2026 | 10:30 am
Rare Books Group
The country north of the vast and inhospitable Sahara Desert was well known to the Greeks and Romans of ancient times. But what lay beyond: the terra incognita in Ptolemy’s map above?
17 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.
10 September 2026 - 17 September 2026 | 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.
5 October 2026 | 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