My final itinerary is coming together. I already have a "free day" (meaning no tours or anything else really planned) in both Sydney and Cairns. Trying to figure out if I should add an extra day to one of these destinations or just come home a day earlier. Any suggestions?

Don't come home early! How many days do you already have planned for Cairns and Sydney and what time of year is your trip?

Add the extra day in each location. Just see what you feel like doing when the time comes.

I already have 3 full days plus the day I get to Sydney...so total of 4 days there and then in Cairns I have 4 days there as well. I am leaning towards adding the day to Sydney.

It all depends on your interests, but I would add the extra day in Cairns. With 4 days in Sydney, you should pretty much be able to see all the major sites and maybe even take a day trip to the Blue Mountains. When I have been in PD for 4 days, I've done: 1 day snorkeling, 1 day Daintree self-drive trip, 1-day Kuranda Rail/Skyrail, 1-day Rainforest (Wildlife) Habitat/beach/shopping. I could easily use another day just for the beach or to do another snorkeling trip (which I love!)

I'd add it to Cairns. We have already spent 2 separate weeks there a year apart, and still hope to return for at least 1 more week. There is so much to do.

Shianne, without know what you are doing and your interests it is very hard to advise but there is at least six months of worth in each place!

Definitely CAIRNS. Daintree and Port Douglas alone is 2 days and that's pushing it. You can also take a day trip out to Low Isles from Port Douglas. Take the skyrail up to Kuranda, tour around the tablelands, stay overnight and catch the Kuranda tourist train back to Cairns. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous in Cairns. Fitzroy and Green Island are worth visiting for a day or if you are into diving or snorkelling the reef is is highly highly recommended.

Cairns,well cairns area, You need to get out and about but so many choices. So do not stay in Cairns (or Port Douglas) boith samll towns, see an isnland, a cay or some animal adventure. White water rafting is great.