Fans, politicians and the media in Australia have been swept up in a frenzy over Taylor Swift.
Since arriving in the country, the pop star's movements have been intensely followed by the media -- even as she tries to take time out. In response, Taylor Swift told the Australian press to calm down in a kindly-worded Instagram post on Wednesday.
So stoked to be able to take my band and crew on a vacation at the end of a long and wonderful tour. For all their hard work this year, they really deserve it. Thank you to Hamilton Island for taking such great care of 125 of the people who work tirelessly to make sure the 1989 World Tour stage gets built, the lights are on, the costumes are made, the guitars are tuned, and the show goes on. Aussie press, I love your enthusiasm but my birthday isn't for 2 weeks and it'll be a quiet one this year. Let's take it down a notch:) A photo posted by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on Dec 1, 2015 at 10:12pm PST
The post thanked Swift's band and crew for their hard work on The 1989 World Tour, before she turned her attention to the media: "Aussie press, I love your enthusiasm but my birthday isn't for 2 weeks and it'll be a quiet one this year. Let's take it down a notch."
Swift, who turns 26 on Dec. 13, and 125 of her crew are taking a well-earned break on the uber-luxurious Hamilton Island, where you'd think it be easy for her to escape the prying eyes of the press.
However, an Australian TV crew was reportedly kicked off the island on Wednesday, when "half a dozen security" made sure a Sunrise reporter and crew left Hamilton Island swiftly. They were told there was a media ban on the island until Swift leaves, according to Fairfax.
Swift will perform an exclusive show on Hamilton Island, run by radio network Nova.
For now though, Swift having a great time hanging out with local wildlife. It looks like the birds will be the only ones getting up close and personal.
Making friends on Hamilton Island. pic.twitter.com/26SLoiCUZt— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) December 2, 2015