Where is Migaloo?

It’s the question on every reef operator’s lips at this time of year as the mysterious white whale and thousands of other humpbacks travel along the coastline of the Great Barrier Reef.

The all-white Migaloo is arguably the reefs biggest rock star; the oceans answer to the Beatlemania of the 60s (minus, hopefully, the screaming, crying and fainting women). Those fortunate enough to have caught a glimpse describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Calypso Reef Tours skipper Tony Jones has encountered Migaloo four times and says there is an air of excitement following its sighting last week near Moreton Island. The animal’s current whereabouts remains a mystery, but if its trajectory north has been maintained it could hit the waters near Port Douglas at any time.

“It’s like seeing a sailboat that has sunk, gliding underneath the water,” Jones explains.

“The fluorescent white colour underneath the water is spectacular and is pretty special to witness.

“I’ve been lucky enough to see it a few times over the years, twice near the Low Isles, and it’s a pretty awesome experience."

Migaloo was thought to be the only all-white humpback whale on the planet before footage emerged of an ‘albino’ humpback calf in 2011, which was quickly nicknamed MJ (Migaloo Junior). A whale thought to be smaller than Migaloo was reported last week near the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef.

Steve Edmondson, from Sailaway cruises, also sighted the animal near the Low Isles in a chance encounter four years ago.

“It was just incredible, a true sight to behold” he said.

However, getting up close and personal with this majestic creature might be a thing of the past. Migaloo’s arrival has sparked a flurry of warnings from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection reminding boats to keep their distance. The animal has its own legislation preventing vessels moving within 500m, while aircraft cannot approach within 610m without authorisation.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the warnings followed media reports on the Gold Coast of helicopters, charter boats, drones and research vessels all chasing shots of the white whale as it headed north.

“It’s what every whale watcher dreams of, but it’s really important that this animal’s space is respected and no undue distress is caused,” Dr Miles said.

“So far EHP is aware of one complaint which is being investigated and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is monitoring the whale to make sure that everyone is doing the right thing.”

The penalty for intentionally moving too close to the whale is in excess of $20,000. Jones said given the strict rules surrounding the animal, luck had to play a part if his customers were to see it this season.

“You can’t really do much these days other than try and avoid it,” Jones said.

“I understand why these rules need to be in place, but personally, in my experiences, if a whale does not want people near it then it would just leave.”

Only time will tell if the rock star whale chooses to take centre stage again.