Migaloo the white whale headed for Port Douglas
FAMOUS HUMPBACK
AUSTRALIA’S famous white humpback whale is heading north along the Queensland coast on his annual migration to the warm tropical waters of Far North Queensland.
Migaloo is sometimes spotted off the coast of Port Douglas by local reef tour operators and boat crews and tourists are eagerly awaiting to see if he will make an appearance.
Tony Jones from Calypso Reef Cruises said it’s likely to be spotted in the area within a few weeks.
“Someone from Port Douglas usually sees him every year,” he said.
The all white while is the megastar of the Great Barrier Reef and until 2011 was thought to be the only albino humpback in the world, until footage emerged of an all white calf now known as Migaloo Junior.
For those lucky enough to see Migaloo the sight is one not to be forgotten.
“It’s a huge white glow through the water, its very impressive,” Tony said.
Eleanor Jones from Tropical Journeys said the first whales of the season were spotted in the middle of June and humpbacks and dwarf minkes have been frequently sighted since.
“It’s been a very good whale season so far,” she said.
“The last few weeks have been quite active.”
The whales make their way north each year between June and November to mate and calve as the wintery waters of the south become too cold.
Eleanor said the whales often get very close to their boats and some guests were even lucky enough to swim with the minke whales.
Whale sightings are a huge draw card for tourists and the Port Douglas region is a prime spot to catch a glimpse.
Migaloo was spotted off the Gold Coast last week so it wont be long now until he reaches the waters off Port Douglas.
Have any whale images or footage? Send them to editor@newsport.com.au
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