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.
4 January 2026
4 January 2026
21 November 2025
26 February 2026 | 10:30 am
Rare Books Group
This presentation is based on published journals of 2 men who were part of the Royal Navy's attempt to capture a Spanish galleon in 1740.
10 March 2026 - 16 March 2026 | 8:00 am
Trips & Tours
This highly successful tour is being run for a second time in 2026 to take advantage of the filling of Lake Eyre. Read a report on the recent 2025 trip.
26 March 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
16 April 2026 | 5:30 pm
Monthly Lecture
Guy, always an entertaining speaker, will enlighten us about the cultural and regional influences of silo art.
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
28 May 2026 | 10:30 am
Rare Books Group
For over 4,000 years these islands provided a valuable source of spices to the world.
(Image - map of the region from 'Theatrum Orbis Terrarum' by Abraham Ortelius 1571.)
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?
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
