Heath LedgerHeath Ledger’s family have returned to Australia ahead of the actor’s private funeral later this week.

Heath’s father Kim, mum Sally and older sister Kate were amongst the 15 family members arriving back in the country this morning (local time) en route to Perth, after an overnight flight from Los Angeles.

Australian newspapers report the heavily guarded group was naturally sombre and refused to give any comments to reporters on the way through the airport. It is unclear whether Heath’s body was transported on the same flight.

Heath is expected to be buried in a family plot in Karrakatta Cemetary in Perth. His Brokeback Mountain co-star Jake Gyllenhaal and ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams are expected to fly over for the private ceremony.

Heath died in his Manhattan apartment a fortnight ago and the New York Medical Examiners Office is expected to announce a cause of death this week after results of toxicology tests are finalised. Two memorial services for the actor have taken place in Los Angeles and he was also honoured at an event in New York last month.