It's certainly commonly used round my way, although not for anything really 'serious', more for jovial or mildly irritating situations where fuck off would be a bit harsh
It's still fairly common in Australia, where this particular story is set, and the "sayer" is a grumpy old man so if it isn't so common now, it probably was more so in his formative years. AMJ
Personally I think that "Get lost" has the same sharpness to it as "F*ck Off", but without the profanity. I think both of those leave the person on the receiving with the same feeling of emotional emptiness. lol
