How long were you on a waiting list for a child care centre?

We've put our name down at a whole lot of places, but have been told the waiting list is up to 18 months for kids under 2 years and about 12 months for 2-5 year olds.

Is this totally enormously long compared to other areas?

We're in Sydney and have our names down at places in inner west and northern districts. What are others experiences with waiting lists? Are they really that long, or is it just because people like me put their name down at several places?