Possible Sighting Of The Elusive Migaloo Off The Coast Of Australia

As the annual whale migration up to warmer waters kicks off, everyone gets very excited about Migaloo.

The elusive, all-white humpback whale is a massive tourist attraction for people on the east coast of Australia and many flock to headlands in the hope they'll see him.

He could already be swimming past New South Wales if photos on his official social media account are anything to go by.

Earlier this month, images of a white-looking humpback were taken off the coast of Victoria, sparking a fresh wave of Migaloo enthusiasts.

Depending on his speed, he could have already passed through Port Macquarie on the mid-north coast of NSW, or he might not get there until early May.

People have been warned to keep their distance from the big Mig and other whales as they make their migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of north Queensland.

Migaloo's Twitter account has reminded people heading out on boats over the next few months to be aware of the laws around whale proximity.

It added the white humpback is protected because he's so unique.

"Migaloo or any predominantly white whale is considered a 'special interest animal'," it said.

"The regulations require all vessels to remain 500 meters away. Aircraft can fly no closer than 610m vertically. Drones must not be operated closer than 100 meters vertically or horizontally."

Migaloo will be one of around 35,000 humpback whales that will be making the long journey north this year. The whale's name means 'white fella' in several Indigenous languages.

He was first spotted in 1991 and has since gained an army of followers and supporters who love getting a chance to see him.

When he was first identified, he was believed to be the only all-white whale in the world.

It wasn't until 2011 that another all-white humpback whale calf was discovered. Since then, there have only been three or four more all-white whales discovered. So, the Mig is certainly a rare one to behold.

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie