Welcome to the Queensland Geographical Society, your go-to resource for all things geography in Brisbane. Our menu features a variety of engaging activities and resources designed to inspire and educate.

Here’s what you can find:

At the Queensland Geographical Society, we aim to promote geographical literacy and appreciation through our carefully curated resources and activities. Whether you are a student, educator, or simply a geography enthusiast, we invite you to explore our offerings and engage with the vibrant geographical community.

Getting the Most from Maps, Field Trips and Podcasts

Geography is easiest to understand when you combine different ways of learning. A topographic map tells you how steeply the land rises along the D'Aguilar Range, but walking a track there shows you how that slope shapes vegetation, creek lines and the way rain runs off after a summer storm. Listening to a discussion about river systems before visiting the Brisbane River's floodplain can change what you notice when you stand on its banks.

Reading maps with purpose

Before heading out, spend a few minutes with a map of the area. Look at contour spacing to judge gradient, trace watercourses to see where catchments divide, and note how roads and suburbs follow ridgelines or avoid low-lying ground. Brisbane's history of flooding makes this kind of reading especially relevant: comparing older maps with current ones reveals how the city has grown into areas that were once swamp or floodplain.

Preparing for time in the field

Queensland conditions reward good preparation. Carry plenty of water, sun protection and suitable footwear, and check weather and track conditions with the relevant park authority before you go. A simple notebook for sketches, observations and questions turns a pleasant walk into genuine fieldwork. Our field trips page outlines the kinds of excursions that suit different interests and fitness levels.

Learning between outings

Podcasts and publications fill the gaps between trips. They are a good way to explore topics that are hard to see directly, such as climate patterns across the state, the formation of the Great Barrier Reef, or the long relationship between First Nations peoples and Country. Browse the podcast shelves for listening ideas, and keep an eye on upcoming events for talks that bring these themes to life in person.

Whichever route you take, the aim is the same: to look at familiar places with fresh eyes and understand why the landscape around Brisbane and beyond looks the way it does.

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