Australia's most famous cetacean, Migaloo the white whale, was last spotted five years ago, but a fresh sighting off Queensland has fans hopeful there's a new white wonder residing in east coast waters.
Share this @internewscast.com

Australia’s renowned white whale, Migaloo, hasn’t been seen for five years, but recent observations off Queensland are raising hopes among enthusiasts for a new, similarly pale marvel inhabiting the east coast waters.

Couple John Laws and Emily Erskine captured drone vision of a whale heading north off Waddy Point on K’gari yesterday afternoon.

It was making its way up the humpback highway, the whale migration route, while being stalked by a shark.

Australia's most famous cetacean, Migaloo the white whale, was last spotted five years ago, but a fresh sighting off Queensland has fans hopeful there's a new white wonder residing in east coast waters.
Couple John Laws and Emily Erskine captured drone vision of a white whale. (Supplied)

“We got out there and realised it was an awfully pale-looking whale,” Laws said.

The whale was white and similar in colour to Migaloo — the world’s most recognisable humpback.

Migaloo resides off Australia’s east coast but was last seen off the coast of Port Macquarie in NSW in June 2020.

SeaWorld Cruises marine expert Pedro Wilson said his “heart started pumping” when he saw the whale looked “almost like the white whale, Migaloo”.

He said he got “super excited” thinking it could be the first official sighting in years.

“We need to know if it’s a brother from another mother, and if so, where is he hiding Migaloo?” Laws said.

Australia's most famous cetacean, Migaloo the white whale, was last spotted five years ago, but a fresh sighting off Queensland has fans hopeful there's a new white wonder residing in east coast waters.
This year’s migration has just begun, sparking hope for a fresh Migaloo sighting. (Supplied)

But it wasn’t to be.

“Although it is predominantly light in hue, there are hints of grey, especially a very light grey on its back and notably on the tail fluke,” noted Wilson.

“But it’s still extremely rare to have that lack of pigmentation.”

Scientists take tissue samples to identify genetic mutations in whales.

There are only a handful with the white colouring worldwide.

This year’s migration has just begun, sparking hope for a fresh Migaloo sighting.

“The whales we see on the east coast of the island here, they’ll be making their way into Hervey Bay,” Laws said.

“We’ll be making an effort to go over the other side and try and find him.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Wayne and Carol cruise ship immigration story

Perth Couple’s Dream Vacation Derailed by US Immigration Issue

Exclusive: An Australian couple had to cancel a costly cruise and now…
Chalk mark on car tyre from parking inspectors

Here’s Why You Should Avoid Wiping Off Chalk Marks on Your Parked Car

An attorney specializing in criminal law is cautioning Australians about the risks…

Thailand and Cambodia Reach ‘Unconditional Ceasefire’ Following Deadly Conflict with 36 Casualties

Thailand and Cambodia’s leaders agreed to an “unconditional” ceasefire Monday, after five…
A 70-year-old man faces up to 15 years in prison after being charged with possessing child abuse material.

70-Year-Old Man Could Receive 15-Year Sentence for Alleged Child Pornography Images Found on Phone

A 70-year-old man faces up to 15 years in prison after being…
Matt Wright has pleaded not guilty before standing trial for perverting the course of justice.

“Outback Wrangler Denies Guilt in Helicopter Crash Case”

Three years after a fatal chopper crash, Matt Wright has pleaded not…

Wiebes Triumphs in Tumultuous Sprint at Tour de France Femmes

Lorena Wiebes has prevailed in a chaotic sprint to claim victory in…
A controversial new fee for the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks is being debated.

Sydney Council Discusses Admission Fee for New Year’s Eve Fireworks Event

A controversial new fee for the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks is…

The Albanese administration pushes forward with promise to limit prescription costs to $25

The Albanese government says it will introduce legislation this week to cap…
Huge hailstone fell in Stanthorpe, Queensland on Tuesday.

Urgent Alert: Massive Storm Set to Impact Millions in Australia

Millions of Australians in the country’s largest cities could be facing a…
Supporters of Heather Calgaret attend a smoking ceremony during the inquest into the death of Heather Calgaret at the Coroners Court of Victoria in Melbourne, Monday, July 28, 2025.

Baby of Indigenous Woman Separated Before Her Death in Custody

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned the following article…
US mother and 8-month-old daughter remain missing after 10 days

U.S. Mother and Her 8-Month-Old Baby Still Missing After 10 Days

Authorities and concerned relatives in California are actively searching for a mother…
Police monitoring the cordoned area in Or Tor Kor market on July 28, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, after an active shooter situation

Tragic Shooting at Busy Bangkok Market Leaves Five Dead

A gunman shot and killed five people at a popular fresh food…