Heath Ledger romances Aussie model

Erik C Pendzich / Rex Features

Heath Ledger has begun dating Australian model Gemma Ward, say reports.

The Dark Knight actor was spotted with Ward at a restaurant in Perth earlier this week.

The restaurant manager told Life & Style "It's pretty obvious they're an item."

Ledger broke off his engagement to Brokeback Mountain co-star Michelle Williams last September.

He was romantically linked with Danish model Helena Christensen and actress Kate Hudson at the end of last year.

Ward is about to make her big screen debut in The Black Balloon alongside Toni Collette.