Level 3 Mortlock Wing State Library of South Australia North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000

Our purpose

Public Awareness

Advance public awareness of, and interest in, geography and related disciplines, including environmental issues

Geographical Science

Encourage research and scholarship in geography

Recognition

Recognise and reward achievements in geography

Commemoration

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.

Quick Links

Sharing our unique historical perspective to a digital age; through the pages of the RGSSA's rare collection of books, maps, photographs, artworks and historical relics

RGSSA Library


The RGSSA Library contains over 25,000 volumes and is one of the most significant collections of rare geographical books and manuscripts in Australia.

Awards & Research


The Society supports a number of awards and prizes to promote geographical education and research, and to recognise members’ efforts. 

Upcoming Lectures & Events

Annual Dinner 2021

12 December 2024 | 6:30 pm

Events

Annual Dinner

The Society's Annual Dinner at which presentations are made to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Society, and/or Geography.

Udoy

20 February 2025 | 5:30 pm

Monthly Lecture

Update on Timor Leste 5 years on

An update on the lecture presented in September 2020: ‘Youth & Well Being in Timor Leste: Opportunities & Challenges for the Nation Building Process'

Col Light Dumpy Level

10 April 2025 | 5:30 pm

Monthly Lecture

How High am I? The history of the Australian Height Datum

Understanding your elevation is integral to many decision-making processes; from determining a safe development threshold to avoid flood risk, for monitoring sea-levels, through to making sure sewers flow downhill as designed. But have you ever wondered how a vertical datum is defined and how you then establish this for a country that is also a continent? This talk will explore the history of the Australian Height Datum, the huge task of realising the concept, and how it has been modernised more recently to remain fit for purpose in a modern world where understanding your 3D position is becoming more important than ever.