Hollywood star Heath Ledger has left Australia hours after being sprayed by water pistols at the Sydney premiere of his new film.

A group of paparazzi photographers targeted Ledger for a soaking as he arrived with partner and co-star Michelle Williams at Fox Studios last night for the premiere of his latest flick, Brokeback Mountain - a gay love story about two cowboys.

They hit him in the face and chest, wetting his hair and clothing, in an action taking some 10 seconds.