The Empire Theatre originally opened in June 1911, operating as a flourishing silent movie house up until February 1933 when fire broke out and it was almost completely destroyed.

In November 1933 the theatre reopened with an art deco architectural style in keeping with the fashion of the 30's. The newly opened cinema and live performance theatre was equipped with the most up to date facilities and held 2,400 people making it the largest regional theatre in Australia.

Today the theatre is part of a stimulating complex and is heritage listed by the National Trust of Queensland. The complex features a contemporary restaurant, Church, function rooms, visiting management office, laundry and wardrobe area. The green room is equipped with kitchen facilities and boasts an intimate mezzanine lounge and pleasant outdoor garden patio area. The Studio seats 250 for recitals, meetings and receptions and also serves as a dance studio or rehearsal space.

The most recent venue addition to the complex is the Church, an atmospheric 1877 vintage chapel with a fully operational pipe organ. Situated within the attractive gardens adjacent to the theatre, the Church held it’s first function in 1998 when members of the Northern Australian Regional Performing Arts Centres Association were guests at a medieval themed luncheon. An array of performances are held in the Church including; cabaret, comedy, choral work, fine music and jazz. This historical and elegant building is also available for conferences of various sizes, weddings and corporate theatre.

With the expertise of dedicated staff, almost any style of presentation is possible from variety performances to large plays, ballet and musicals and from corporate theatre to showcases and product launches.

The Empire Theatre has laid claim to having "The Best Theatre in Australia" following a 1998 award by the Australian Leisure Management Magazine that placed it amongst the top eight leisure and entertainment projects in Australia.