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

7 December 2023 | 6:30 pm

Events

RGSSA Annual Dinner - FULLY BOOKED

The Annual Christmas Dinner will be held on Thursday 7 December 2023, commencing at 6:30 for 7:15pm at Adelaide Pavilion, corner South Terrace and Peacock Road, Adelaide. Bookings essential by Tuesday 21 November.

Tectonic plates

15 February 2024 | 5:30 pm

Monthly Lecture

The search for how the earth works: a scientific detective story

Back in the 16th century the cartographer Abraham Ortelius noted that the coastlines on either side of the Atlantic Ocean bore a remarkable resemblance to each other, and suggested that “the Americas were torn away from Europe and Africa by earthquakes and floods”. Ortelius’s remarkable observation became lost in the mists of time but it was in fact the very first clue in an amazing scientific detective story.

Todd

21 March 2024 | 5:30 pm

Monthly Lecture

Mr Todd's Marvel

How one man telegraphed Australia to the modern world.  Mr Todd’s Marvel tells how Charles Todd managed to pull off an engineering miracle. It explains how he mustered, cajoled and manoeuvred men, animals and materials to a degree never before seen in the Australian colonies.

Wr PXA Vol 6 p 140 Rev J Tenison Woods

18 April 2024 | 5:30 pm

Monthly Lecture

Tenison-Woods

Roderick O’Brien has spoken to the RGSSA in the past. He has a copy of the first Geography book written by Tenison-Woods. There is some interesting history attached to it which relates to places, people or events that will be included on the SE Tour.

Image by Unknown author - State Library of New South Wales PXA 362 Vol 6, Public Domain

Umpherston Sinkhole

29 April 2024 | 8:00 am

Trips & Tours

An Exploration of SE South Australia and SW Victoria

This tour led by the RGSSA newly appointed Head of Travel and longtime lecture presenter, Joc Schmiechen will take you on an exploratory journey into some of landscapes, cultural, settlement and pre-history of Southeastern Australia.