After his schooling, Boake worked for a surveyor and then (for a year) for the N.S.W. Survey Department. He detested office work, so he divided his time between surveying, boundary riding and droving. "Where the Dead Men Lie" was first published in The Bulletin in December 1891.

Boake, though an active child, "showed early signs of depression".

In late 1891 Boake's father became almost bankrupt as a result of speculating in Melbourne land. Boake returned home, gave his father 50 pounds to help with household expenses, and tried to find work, without success. He became increasingly depressed.

On 10 May 1892 Boake was found dead in bush at Long Bay. He had hanged himself with his stockwhip. According to Cecil Hadgraft, "Modern drugs might have postponed Boake's suicide for years." He was only 26 when he died.