Gretzky then made his way to the harbour to light a second cauldron outside in the harbour area which will burn for the 17 days of competition.

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Ask for a harbour mountain-view room and you can watch seaplanes take off from Coal Harbour or see the first streaks of light hit the snow-capped North Shore mountains as you sip your morning coffee.

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Additionally, the popular waterfront Darling Harbour precinct will be transformed into a spectacular exhibit of illuminated dancing water fountains, with light and water shows every night from 6 pm for the duration of the festival.

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