Start with attendance and duration, then check existing facilities and the venue's requirements. A simple guest ratio is a rough planning tool, not a capacity guarantee or a universal legal minimum.
Gather the event details
Record the expected attendance, the hours people will stay and the busiest arrival and break periods. Include staff and contractors, not just ticket holders. Note whether food and alcohol are served and whether guests stay overnight.
Count existing toilets only if they will be open, suitable and accessible throughout the event. Check with the venue how those facilities may be shared with other users.
Running a regular market? Use our Brisbane market toilet planner to record what changes from one date to the next.
Use an estimate to start the conversation
One toilet per 50 guests is sometimes used as an initial short-event planning assumption. It is not an automatic recommendation for every booking. A long event, concentrated break times, fewer existing facilities or overnight use can require more units and a service plan.
For example, dividing 150 guests by 50 gives three units as a starting estimate. It does not account for the event's duration, access needs, existing toilets or permit conditions. Send those details with the estimate so the actual requirement can be reviewed.
Check venue and council conditions
Ask which event approvals apply and what toilet facilities they require. Brisbane's Self-Assessable Events Rule uses event capacity and duration in its facility planning and addresses accessible facilities. Its conditions apply to the events within that rule, not automatically to every Queensland event.
Do not use AS 1668.2 as a toilet-count rule: it concerns mechanical ventilation. Confirm accessible facilities and routes with the venue and appropriate supplier before booking; our standard portaloo should not be described as an accessible unit.
Plan placement and servicing with the count
Spread facilities where guests can find them safely without blocking exits or vehicle routes. Keep room for queues and safe lighting after dark. Confirm the ground and truck access before finalising locations.
For a multi-day event, agree cleaning, supplies and any paid pump-outs. Short-term event hire does not include ongoing servicing by default. Adding units alone does not replace routine checks.
Send a useful hire enquiry
Provide your dates, address, attendance pattern, existing facilities and accessibility needs. Include a site plan and any council or venue requirements. Our event toilet page covers hire terms and the current product price; this guide helps prepare the quantity discussion.
About the author
Doug, Owner & Director
Doug and Deb purchased Poles and Holes in 2002 as its third owners. Doug is the owner and director of the Capalaba business, which was established in 1960 and supplies temporary power poles, portable toilets and site security cameras.
