Migaloo is now travelling under police escort after a number of vessels tried to get too close to the famous all-white whale.
Queensland environment minister Dr Steven Miles says the vessels came close to the humpback whale as it passed by the Gold Coast and water police will now keep watch to make sure no one breaches a protection area around the whale.
"This has been made necessary by the reported behaviour of a number of vessels off the Gold Coast on Tuesday," Dr Miles said.
There is a special protection area for Migaloo of 500 metres for boats and vessels, instead of the regulation 100m for any single watercraft, while aircraft must keep a distance of at least 610m.
Police are expected to escort the whale until it reaches the Great Barrier Reef.
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It is also believed complaints have been made about a drone coming too close to the whale but Dr Miles said an investigation was underway into the alleged breaches of the protection zone and would not comment further.
"But it is very important that all marine users and operators of aircraft, respect the approach limits around all whales as they make their way through Queensland State waters," he said.
He said Migaloo was expected to reach the Reef on the weekend.
The maximum penalty for intentionally moving too close to a whale is $20,113.50 or an on the spot fine of $609.
