Where building legislation requires one, an ambulant toilet cubicle in Australia must be 900–920 mm wide between finished wall surfaces, with a clear doorway of at least 700 mm and a grabrail on both sides of the pan (AS 1428.1:2021, Section 13). The NCC decides whether a building needs one, based on its classification. Under Part F4 (clause F4D5), an ambulant compartment is required where a bank of toilets includes separate male and female toilets as well as an accessible unisex toilet.
An ambulant toilet is designed for people who have difficulty walking or moving but do not normally use a wheelchair. Along with grabrails on both sides, it provides an accessible door opening and clear space for movement.
The requirements for ambulant toilets differ from those for accessible unisex toilets, which are designed for wheelchair users.
Ambulant Toilet Australian Standards
Ambulant toilet requirements in Australia are governed by the applicable edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010. The technical requirements for new ambulant sanitary compartments are set out in AS 1428.1:2021, Section 13.
NCC 2022 Amendment 2 adopted AS 1428.1:2021 on 29 July 2025, the same day the amended Premises Standards (instrument F2024L01490) took effect.
As at 29 October 2026, states and territories have different NCC 2025 adoption dates and transitional arrangements. New South Wales still applies NCC 2022 Amendment 2, while Victoria has adopted NCC 2025. Because NCC 2022 Amendment 2 already references the 2021 edition, NSW projects assessed under it are covered by the 2021 requirements. Check the NSW Building Commission and the Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission for current details.
Before designing or renovating an ambulant toilet, confirm which NCC edition applies to your project.
Ambulant Toilet Dimensions and Toilet Size
The relevant dimensions and layouts for ambulant sanitary compartments are in AS 1428.1:2021, Section 13 and its accompanying figures. The key requirements are:
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Cubicle width: 900–920 mm between finished wall surfaces, narrow enough that a person can reach the grabrails on both sides.
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Clear doorway opening: at least 700 mm.
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Toilet seat height: 460–480 mm above the finished floor.
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Toilet pan projection: the standard WC projection detailed in AS 1428.1:2021.
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Circulation space: the required 900 × 900 mm clear circulation spaces, including those associated with the doorway.
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Front clearance: at least 900 mm of clear space in front of the toilet pan. The required layout depends on the door arrangement, because a door that swings into that space cuts the clear area in front of the pan.
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Door operation: the door swing must not obstruct the required circulation space.
A washbasin must not obstruct the circulation spaces required by the standard, so plan the door, pan and basin together rather than one at a time.
These are key design dimensions, not a complete construction specification. Always refer to the applicable standard's diagrams when preparing a final layout, and confirm the figures with your certifier before ordering or building.
Ambulant Toilet Requirements
In addition to the cubicle dimensions, ambulant toilets require suitable fittings and accessibility features. The sections below cover each one.
Grabrails
Grabrails must be provided on both sides of the toilet. Under AS 1428.1:2021:
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Horizontal grabrail sections sit 800–820 mm above the finished floor, measured to the top of the rail.
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Grabrails must have an outside diameter of 30–40 mm.
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The gap between the grabrail and the adjacent wall is 50–60 mm.
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Grabrails and their fixings must withstand a force of 1,100 N without deformation or loosening.
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The requirements for raked or cranked (angled) grabrails changed in the 2021 edition. Industry guidance reports that the angled section is now 400–450 mm long, down from a 700 mm minimum under the 2009 edition as amended. For new work under the 2021 edition, a rail that only met the 2009 minimum may not comply. Industry guidance adds that many practitioners choose a 90° grabrail instead, because it typically needs less space in the cubicle.
Toilet Door and Privacy Lock
The cubicle door must provide a minimum clear opening of 700 mm.
It must also have an in-use indicator and a catch. If you fit a snib catch, the snib handle must extend at least 45 mm from the centre of the spindle. The catch must be capable of being opened from outside in an emergency.
Toilet Roll Holder and Clothes Hook
A toilet roll holder must be installed in an accessible position.
A clothes hanging device must also be provided inside the cubicle, 1,350–1,500 mm above the floor.
Ambulant Toilet Signage
Ambulant sanitary compartments must be identified with signage in accordance with AS 1428.1:2021 and NCC Part D4 (clause D4D7), with the ambulant sign placed on the cubicle door. Both the sign and its placement must meet the relevant accessibility provisions.
Ambulant Toilet vs Accessible Toilet
Ambulant and accessible toilets serve different mobility needs.
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Feature |
Ambulant toilet |
Accessible unisex toilet |
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Who it supports |
People who can walk but need additional stability and support |
Wheelchair users |
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Main focus |
Stability and support, with grabrails on both sides and clear space for movement |
Circulation and transfer space for wheelchair users |
|
Wheelchair use |
Not intended for wheelchair users |
Designed for wheelchair users |
An ambulant toilet should not be treated as a replacement for an accessible unisex toilet where the NCC requires one, because it does not provide the transfer space a wheelchair user needs.
Ambulant Toilet Inspiration
Once the accessibility requirements are settled, choose the finishes and accessories that suit the room. Whatever you add must stay clear of the required circulation areas and grabrails.
Important Compliance Information
This article provides general information and is not professional building or accessibility advice. Requirements depend on the building classification, location, applicable NCC edition, approval date and any transitional provisions or exemptions. Consult a qualified building certifier or accessibility consultant before construction.
Official references:
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