About Logan Brae

Sam never set out to become an apple orchardist. Originally from Tasmania, he spent years rock climbing around the world, often returning to the Blue Mountains—it’s one of the best climbing areas in the country, after all.

On one of those trips, he came across Logan Brae Orchard—a quiet property perched on the edge of the escarpment, with views that stretched for miles. Something about it stuck. When he heard it was for sale, he knocked on the door of the Jackson family, who had owned the orchard since 1919.

Graham Jackson, who had been running the orchard for decades, welcomed the conversation. The two got to know each other, and over time, a friendship formed. When the time came, Graham passed the baton on to Sam.

Sam didn’t take the decision lightly. He stepped into the role, learned what needed learning, and got to work. Over the years, he reworked the way the orchard was farmed—planting 6,000 new trees on trellis for easier picking and installing huge nets to protect against hail and birds. It was a monstrous job, and he pulled it off mostly on his own, with the odd bit of help. That alone is a huge accomplishment.

A few years later, Sam met Asia. Together, they kept the orchard running while adding their own vision—turning the old Machinery Shed into a luxury farm stay and creating a space that now welcomes guests from all over.

Today, Logan Brae is the last remaining apple orchard on the Shipley Plateau. It’s still a working farm, but also a place to slow down, take in the view, and get a glimpse of life on the land. The orchard remains in family hands—run by Sam, Asia, and their two young daughters, who’ve now started to pop up in the shop too. Together, they continue to care for the land and share its beauty with others.

A lot has changed. But the heart of Logan Brae is still the same.