Heath Ledger's daughter Matilda, 17, is planning a gap year 'pilgrimage' to Australia after she graduates high school so she can 'bond with her late father's family before starting college'

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Heath Ledger's daughter Matilda is reportedly planning an extended holiday in Australia so she can get to know her late father's family before going to college.

Matilda, 17, whose mother is Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams, was raised in America after Heath died from an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2008.

Heath's parents, who live in Western Australia, have said in the past they would like to see more of Matilda, whom they affectionately call their 'little New Yorker'.

But with the teenager due to finish high school soon, she is said to be planning a gap year Down Under to 'understand the other side of her heritage', reports New Idea.

'She is keen to take a year off and head to Australia,' a source said.

'She wants to get to see and spend time with Heath's family before she gets down to the serious business of university in America.'

Heath Ledger's daughter Matilda (pictured in NYC on Sunday) is reportedly planning an extended holiday in Australia so she can get to know her father's family before going to college

Matilda apparently wants to visit Heath's family in Perth, but her mother Michelle, 42, has some reservations because 'it's just so far away'. 

'[She] understands her mum's concerns, but she has a deep need to understand the other side of her heritage,' the insider added. 

Meanwhile, Heath's family is said to be 'thrilled' by the news of their granddaughter's proposed trip Down Under.

The Ledgers reportedly signed over all of Heath's assets, worth an estimated US$16.3million, to Matilda upon his death in 2008.

Matilda, 17, whose mother is Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams, was raised in America after Heath (pictured) died from an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2008 

Heath's mother Sally told Us Weekly in 2018. 'We're going to see [Matilda] in New York next week. So we'll be there a few days and see how she's grown.

'We keep in constant contact with Michelle and Matilda and visit frequently.'

The actor's sister Kate also said: 'I love telling [Matilda] stories about her daddy and how he grew up. I think it's so important for her to have a good sense of where she comes from in order for her to get to know herself.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Michelle's representatives for comment.

Heath's only child has kept a low profile over the years because her mother Michelle wanted to 'keep things real' for her daughter growing up.

The high school student, who bears a striking resemblance to her late father, was spotted out and about in New York City on Sunday.

Heath's parents, who live in Western Australia, have said in the past they would like to see more of Matilda, whom they affectionately call their 'little New Yorker'. (Pictured from left to right: Heath's relatives Sally Bell, Ashleigh Bell, Kate Ledger and Kim Ledger at the Heath Ledger Scholarship Dinner in West Hollywood, California, on June 1, 2017)

The Dark Knight actor died aged 28 after taking a fatal cocktail of drugs, leaving behind his daughter Matilda, who was two years old at the time

The Dark Knight actor died aged 28 after taking a fatal cocktail of drugs, leaving behind his daughter, who was two years old at the time. 

Michelle, who was in a relationship with Heath from 2004 to 2007 after meeting on set of Brokeback Mountain, decided to raise Matilda away from the spotlight.

The Blue Valentine star took a hiatus from acting and moved to upstate New York with Matilda after Heath's death.

Matilda, who bears a striking resemblance to her late father, was spotted out and about in New York City on Sunday 

Michelle, who was in a relationship with Heath from 2004 to 2007 after meeting on set of Brokeback Mountain, decided to raise Matilda away from the spotlight after the actor's death

She previously said the move stemmed from her desire to provide 'a sane home environment' for her daughter.

'We moved - we left Brooklyn and lived in the country for six years because it was an intolerable state of existence,' she told the New York Post in June 2016.

Years later, Michelle made the decision to return to the Big Apple and bought a property in Brooklyn, where she had lived before the move.

Before their break-up, Michelle and Heath had shared a $3.6million townhouse in Boerum Hill, small neighborhood in the northwestern portion of the borough.

Michelle, who is now married to theatre director Thomas Kail, previously spoke about wanting to give Matilda siblings in an interview with GQ in 2012.

'I really wanted, and I really expected or imagined, that Matilda would have siblings that were close to her age. I wanted that for her. But I couldn't make that happen,' she said.

'And now that she's six, that isn't even a possibility anymore. So something that was making me feel impatient, that's been removed. For whatever reason, that's not our luck, or our path.'

However eight years later, she found her happy ending with Thomas, whom she married in 2020. They went on to welcome a baby boy later that year and a second child followed in 2022.

Michelle, who is now married to theatre director Thomas Kail, previously spoke about wanting to give Matilda siblings in an interview with GQ in 2012