Why Are White Whales So Rare?

White whales are exceptionally rare, and sightings are infrequent, making them a fascinating sight for observers. NSW’s coastline is a prime location to witness whale migrations, with many whales swimming close to shore. This annual migration, often called the “humpback highway,” sees over 40,000 whales passing by this year alone. Over the weekend, crowds gathered with binoculars, eager to catch a glimpse of this incredible natural spectacle.

The most famous white whale in Australian waters was Migaloo, the albino humpback, last definitively seen in 2020 off Port Macquarie. Since then, Migaloo has not been spotted, fueling speculation about his whereabouts.

White coloration in whales is extremely rare, and any similar individuals naturally prompt questions about a possible family link. While there’s no evidence to suggest that new white whales are directly related to Migaloo, experts confirm that Migaloo’s “genes are still out there,” meaning the genetic traits responsible for his albino appearance are still present in the whale population.