The SS Cawarra was a paddle-steamer that sank on 12 July 1866 in Newcastle harbour, New South Wales, Australia sending sixty people to their deaths.

Owned by the Australasian Steam Navigation Company, the Brisbane-bound passenger vessel had become caught in rough seas off the east coast of Australia during storms that sank 14 other ships and resulted in 77 deaths between Port Stephens in the north and Sydney in the south.

Ordinary seaman [Frederick V[4]] Hedges had grabbed a plank as the ship sank and was eventually washed more dead than alive against a harbour buoy.

"[5]: p46 The wreck today sits beneath the wreckage of three more vessels that have since foundered in the harbour.

Along with other wrecks they were used in the construction of the Stockton breakwall where plaques commemorate the loss of each of the ships including the Cawarra.