After graduating from Sydney Grammar School, Bone lived in Zanzibar for part of his youth and became a commander of the Sultan's cavalry. On returning to Sydney, Bone became a journalist and worked in the Penrith and Katoomba regions. He also contributed stories to the Sydney Mail, and specialised in writing and illustrating children's stories set in the bush. Bone's father was a printer in Sydney, and Bone inherited the business, renaming it "W. H. Bone & Co.". Among the firm's productions were two children's books, written and illustrated by Bone himself.
Bone's experience in Africa led to a lifelong interest in adventure and military matters. He was a big-game hunter, a skilled linguist, an expert shot and keen swordsman, and an authority on ancient and modern weapons; but Bone was also a member of the Royal Society, Linnean Society and other scientific bodies, and reputedly had a remarkable knowledge of natural history and Aboriginal lore.
